Content Validation of Nursing Diagnosis of Deficient Fluid Volume [Dehydration] in the Context of Neonatological Nursing

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study consisted in content validation of the defining characteristics, and related factors of the nursing diagnosis of Deficient fluid volume [Dehydration] (00027), from the perspective of neonatal nurses. Design: Content validation study. Methods: The defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of Deficient fluid volume [Dehydration] (00027) were evaluated with the help of the Fehring Diagnostic Content Validity Model. The set consisted of 125 experts/nurses. The significance of the defining characteristics was rated by the nurses on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. Data collection was carried out from March to September 2016. Results: seven characteristics from 32 were designated primary defining characteristics by the experts: decreased urine output, sunken fontanelle, change in skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, increased urine concentration, elevated haematocrit, and general appearance of exhaustion. 25 characteristics were designated secondary defining characteristics; 12 of which were characteristics from NANDA-I. Items such as: constipation, decreased pulse volume, cramps, absence of tears, and abdominal distension achieved a weighted score under 0.50. All from the group of related factors were defined as secondary by the experts. Conclusion: The set of experts regarded the primary significant characteristics for the determination of the nursing diagnosis of Deficient fluid volume [Dehydration] in newborns to consist in seven defining characteristics. All related factors were regarded to be secondary.

Instrument for nursing consultation to pregnant women with diabetes mellitus

“…This data is in line with other validation studies of instruments in the Nursing area. This characteristic is associated to the fact that the workforce in this profession is composed mostly by women, although the number of males has increased (9) .…”

“…It is of utmost importance, therefore, that nurses be able to evaluate clinical conditions in a systematized, continuous and dynamic way, through validated instruments, supported by scientific evidence, to strategically direct the results they seek to achieve, guaranteeing self-care and minimizing or solving future problems that may compromise the lives of mothers and fetuses or newborns (9) .…”