Impaired Thought Process Nursing Diagnosis Care Plans

Impaired Thought Process Nursing Care Plans Diagnosis and Interventions

Impaired Thought Process 5 Nursing Care Plans NCLEX Review

Impaired Thought Process is a NANDA nursing diagnosis in which a person has changed perspective and/or intellect that conflicts with daily living. Biochemical or psychological problems, such as depression and personality disorders, are the possible underlying causes.

The management of alteration in thought process aims to foster coping techniques and diminish disordered thinking. Moreover, uncertainty among older persons is frequently misattributed to aging. Ambiguity in elderly clients can be caused by mental issues such as depression, Alzheimer’s, pharmaceutical side effects, or metabolic diseases.

Depression is also a more common cause of cognitive impairment in older persons than dementia.

Causes of Impaired Thought Process

• Old age
• Head traumas
• Oxygen deprivation
• Infection
• Malnourishment

1. Biochemical Changes

• Excessive intake of alcohol
• Some medications with side effects that affect mental functions
• Abuse of substances

1. Psychological Issues

• Panic
• Despair
• Mood swings
• Fear
• Grieving
• Dissociative disorders

4. Circumstances (such as personal, social, or environmental)

• Abusive behavior (physical, sexual, mental)
• Traumatic experiences in childhood
• Separation
• Depression in old age
• Cruelty

Related Factors to Impaired Thought Process

One of the distinguishing features of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and psychosis is the impaired thought process. People are more likely to acquire a thinking impairment if they also have:

• Uncontrolled anxiousness
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Bipolar illness
• Traumatic brain injury

• Pressure
• Stress
• Excessive or abusive use of mind-altering substances
• Toxic chemical exposure before birth
• Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases

Signs and Symptoms of impaired Thought Process

The following signs symptoms are associated with Impaired Thought Process:

1. Significant Symptoms (Most typical)

• Incorrect interpretation of stimuli, whether internal or external

2. Minor Symptoms (Less common)

• Impairments in cognition (abstraction, problem-solving, memory deficits)
• Uncertainty
• Hallucinations
• Easily distracted
• Mood swings
• Impulsive behavior
• Unsuitable behavioral patterns
• Consensual validation is lacking.
• Obsessions
• Persistent and excessive phobias
• Observed compulsive behavior
• Suspiciousness

Diagnosis of Impaired Thought Process

A healthcare practitioner diagnoses thought problems. A diagnosis is frequently made by asking open-ended questions to the patient and then examining their verbal responses.

To assess impaired thought process, a variety of assessment techniques are available, including:

• The Rorschach inkblot test. This is a perception test in which participants are given a pattern of ambiguous inkblots. When evaluating vocal responses to the inkblots, mental health practitioners might use a scoring system to look for symptoms of disturbed thinking.
• The Thought Disorder Index (TDI). In this assessment, a health practitioner’s dialogue with the patient is recorded and subsequently transcribed. The TDI, also called the Delta index, is then utilized to analyze the exchange that may suggest a mental impairment.
• Assessment of Thought, Language, and Communication (TLC) Scale. This scale is one of the unique diagnosis methods used to examine thinking disorders. It entails making assessments and assigning severity and likelihood to them depending on classifications of various features of thought disorders.

Treatment for Impaired Thought Process

There are treatments available to assist patients in managing the symptoms of impaired thought process. Some possible treatment techniques are explained below.

1. Psychotherapy. This therapy may be beneficial for patients who are also suffering from delusional or misguided ideas. Depending on the individual’s symptoms, the following types of interventions may be used:
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in the identification and modification of mistaken ideas.
3. Family therapy can assist families in learning how to support a loved one who has a thinking problem.
4. Group therapy can be an effective treatment for honing skills and seeking assistance.

2. Medications. Medications are sometimes used to treat the symptoms of disturbed or impaired thought process, especially in schizophrenia or psychotic illnesses. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers are examples of such drugs.

Nursing Diagnosis for Impaired Thought Process

Nursing Care Plan for Impaired Thought Process 1

Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Thought Process related to altered perception of the surroundings secondary to schizophrenia as evidenced by delusions and hallucinations.

Desired outcome: The patient will learn to recognize delusional thoughts if they continue and appropriately perceive the environment.

Nursing Care Plan for Impaired Thought Process 2

Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia)

Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Thought Process related to deranged body image and severe low self-esteem secondary to eating disorder as evidenced by even if they have average body weight or are severely emaciated, they perceive themselves to be overweight.

Desired outcome: The patient will develop a more authentic body image and accept himself as unique.

Nursing Care Plan for Impaired Thought Process 3

Major Depression

Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Thought Process related to stressful life situations secondary to major depression as evidenced by the inadequate capacity to understand concepts or organize thoughts.

Desired Outcome: The patient will learn to accurately recall recent and distant knowledge and have a well-organized mental process.

Nursing Care Plan for Impaired Thought Process 4

Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Thought Process related to physiological effects, including higher CNS activation and more significant cognitive activity secondary to hyperthyroidism as evidenced by modifications in thinking and distortions in external cues.

Desired outcome: The patient will be deemed to be at ease and the anxiety will be decreased to a reasonable level.

Nursing Care Plan for Impaired Thought Process 5

Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Thought Process related to insufficient knowledge and chemical modifications in the brain due to excessive cortisol secondary to Cushing’s disease, as evidenced by complications requiring multiple hospitalizations, anxiety, and depression.

Desired outcome: The patient will comprehend Cushing’s illness and treatment requirements and carry out proper treatment.

Nursing References

Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon

Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2017). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon

Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2018). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon

Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon

Disclaimer:

Please follow your facilities guidelines, policies, and procedures.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.

This information is intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Anna Curran. RN-BC, BSN, PHN, CMSRN I am a Critical Care ER nurse. I have been in this field for over 30 years. I also began teaching BSN and LVN students and found that by writing additional study guides helped their knowledge base, especially when it was time to take the NCLEX examinations.