To clinically validate the defining characteristics of nursing diagnoses related to self-care deficits in feeding, bathing, toileting, and dressing in patients with stroke. A diagnostic accuracy study was conducted with a sample of 135 patients with stroke. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on the latent class analysis method using the random effects model. The prevalence of diagnoses was 23.5% for Bathing self-care deficit, 18.5% for Dressing self-care deficit, 13.3% for Toileting self-care deficit, and 7.5% for Feeding self-care deficit. Fourteen defining characteristics were sensitive, and 17 were specific. Hemorrhagic stroke and note 4 on the Rankin scale was associated with self-care deficits. Of the 37 defining characteristics of the four diagnoses studied, 19 were clinically validated according to the latent class analysis model. These most accurate clinical indicators contribute to the development of the care plan for patients with stroke.

Objective The aim of the study was to develop the conceptual and operational definitions for the defining characteristics of each nursing diagnosis related to self-care deficits of patients with stroke and to validate these definitions with experts. Methods This was a methodological study. The definitions were evaluated by 32 specialists and analyzed using binomial testing. Results All the defining characteristics analyzed were statistically significant (p < .05); three indicators showed agreement at a level lower than the ideal (<0.85). Conclusion The definitions achieved validity for measuring self-care deficit for bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating. Implications for Nursing Practice These defining characteristics of each nursing diagnosis related to self-care deficits may enable more accurate assessment, driving relevant and individualized action plans in rehabilitation.