Nursing Care Plan on Malnutrition

  1. Deficient Knowledge related to Incomplete or unreliable information about nutrition and misinformation about diets as evidenced by Inadequate follow-through of instructions and Insufficient adherence to dietary recommendations
  2. Disturbed Body Image related to Change in appearance and eating disorders as evidenced by Negative feelings about the body (i.e., feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, powerlessness, vulnerability) and avoids social situations
  3. Fatigue related to reduced metabolic energy production and Malnutrition as evidenced by Expresses extreme lack of energy and difficulty maintaining usual physical activity
AssessmentNursing DiagnosisPlanning/OutcomesInterventionEvaluation
Subjective data:
Verbalizes poor understanding 
Seeks additional information 
Denial of a need to learn 
Objective data:
-Inaccurate demonstration or teach-back of instructions 
Inability to recall instructions 
-Exhibiting aggression or irritability regarding teaching follow-up 
-Poor adherence to recommended treatment or worsening medical condition
-Avoiding eye contact or remaining silent during teaching 
Deficient Knowledge related to
Incomplete or unreliable information about nutrition and misinformation about diets as evidenced by Inadequate follow-through of instructions and Insufficient adherence to dietary recommendations



Patient will verbalize two dietary changes to support proper nutrition.
Patient will set a personal dietary goal and effectively formulate a plan to achieve it.
1. Provide information about vitamins and minerals.
Patients often do not possess accurate knowledge surrounding the importance of vitamins and minerals. Most Western diets lack sufficient nutrients. Provide information on foods that contain necessary nutrients.
2. Develop a plan to prevent overeating.
Holidays, travel, and social events can lead to overconsumption. Help the patient recognize scenarios that lead to poor decision-making and plan ahead to prevent diet fluctuations.
3. Promote community resources.
Cooking classes, exercise groups, eating disorder support groups, and health departments and clinics can support the patient in learning ways to improve nutrition.
4. Encourage the patient to continue follow-up care.
Nutrition needs change throughout life. Toddlers, adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and elderly patients all have different nutritional needs. Encourage patients to discuss concerns with their primary care providers or a registered dietician.
Patient verbalized two dietary changes made to support proper nutrition.
Patient made a personal dietary goal and effectively formulate a plan to achieve it.
Subjective data:
Verbal or nonverbal negative responses about the body (e.g., shame, embarrassment, guilt)
Objective data:
-Hiding the body
Preoccupation with appearance
-Negative feelings about the body (i.e., feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, powerlessness, vulnerability)
-Avoids social situations
Disturbed Body Image related to
Change in appearance and eating disorders as evidenced by Negative feelings about the body (i.e., feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, powerlessness, vulnerability) and avoids social situations
Patient will implement two strategies to maintain a healthy weight.
Patient will identify irrational beliefs and expectations regarding body appearance and weight.
Patient will demonstrate social involvement in situations that may cause discomfort related to appearance (swimming, sports, etc.)
1. Refer to a mental health professional.
In cases of eating disorders, counseling is necessary to cope with shame, guilt, and the perception of an overweight appearance.
2. Demonstrate positive self-talk.
Positive comments or acknowledgments can help boost the patient’s self-esteem.
3. Promote social interaction by:
Encourage contact with friends and family
Encourage involvement in group activities
Provide an opportunity to share with people going through similar experiences
As the patient participates in activities and interacts with others, it will become easier, and the patient will become less transfixed on their weight.
4. Assist with healthy weight gain.
Patients with eating disorders are fearful of weight gain. The patient must unlearn toxic coping behaviors and may require inpatient treatment to ensure adequate nutrition.
Patient implemented strategies to maintain a healthy weight.
Patient identified irrational beliefs and expectations regarding body appearance and weight.
Patient demonstrated social involvement in situations that may cause discomfort related to appearance (swimming, sports, etc.)
Subjective data:
Verbalizes tiredness
Objective data:
-Expresses extreme lack of energy
-Difficulty maintaining usual physical activity
-Expresses tiredness or weakness 
-Reduced concentration level
-Lethargy or sluggishness
-Increased need to rest
-Inability to perform desired activities
Fatigue related to reduced metabolic energy production and Malnutrition as evidenced by Expresses extreme lack of energy and difficulty maintaining usual physical activity

Patient will be able to identify the source of exhaustion and the control aspects that affect it.
Patient will verbalize an improved sense of energy.
Patient will be able to complete tasks and participate in hobbies.

 1. Determine the patient’s nutritional intake.
One of the most dominant symptoms of malnutrition is persistent fatigue. Have the patient keep a food diary and track their intake. They may not be taking in enough calories to meet their energy requirements.
2. Establish realistic goals.
Patients who experience fatigue due to a chronic condition and malnutrition may not be able to partake in strenuous activity. Increased rest periods and sleep may be required. Activity can be increased as tolerated.
3. Include the patient’s family members in patient care.
The patient’s social support is important to help the patient implement lifestyle modifications intended to reduce exhaustion.
4. Encourage easy-to-prepare, nutritionally dense foods.
Large meals or difficult-to-prepare foods may worsen fatigue. Provide plenty of healthy, easy grab-and-go foods such as nut butters, fruit, cheese, and yogurt.
Patient identified the source of exhaustion and the control aspects that affect it.
Patient verbalized an improved sense of energy.
Patient completed tasks and participated in hobbies.

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