International Journal of Nursing Knowledge

PURPOSE.  This study aims to validate the nursing diagnosis of anxiety among expert Brazilian nurses and clinicians using NANDA International defining characteristics and to compare the clinical judgments of the experts and the clinicians.

METHOD.  A semistructured questionnaire was completed by a convenience sample of 120 nurses. NANDA International defining characteristics of the Brazilian Portuguese version were used. The analysis of the ratings was based on the framework of the Diagnostic Content Validation model. Brazilian nurses considered the anxiety definition established by NANDA International to be appropriate and experts’ and clinicians’ judgments were similar for both groups of nurses.

FINDINGS.  The results showed that among the 71 characteristics of anxiety, 8 were identified as critical defining characteristics of anxiety (score ≥ 0, 80) by the expert nurses.

CONCLUSIONS.  Brazilian nurses accepted the NANDA International definition for nursing diagnosis of anxiety although some defining characteristics might differ due to cultural differences. Future research could address the limitations of the study and examine validations by both the experts and the clinicians.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  The adequate preparation of undergraduate and postgraduate nurses in nursing diagnosis is important in improving the quality of care given to patients.

OBJETIVO.  Validar o diagnostico de enfermagem de ansiedade com enfermeiros especialistas e assistenciais brasileiros usando as características definidoras da NANDA e comparar seus julgamentos clínicos.

MÉTODOS.  Um questionário semi-estruturado foi respondido por uma amostra de conveniência de 120 enfermeiros. As características definidoras do diagnostico de ansiedade da NANDA em sua versão em português foi usada e a análise seguiu o modelo de Validação de Conteúdo Diagnóstico.

RESULTADOS.  Os enfermeiros brasileiros consideraram a definição de ansiedade estabelecida pela NANDA apropriada e os julgamentos dos especialistas e enfermeiros assistenciais foram semelhantes. Os resultados mostraram que entre as 71 caracteristicas de ansiedade, 8 foram identificadas como características definidoras críticas de ansiedade (escore ≥ 0, 80) pelos enfermeiros especialistas.

CONCLUSÕES.  O estudo apontou que não há diferenças na determinação dos enfermeiros especialistas e clínicos.

PURPOSE.  To better understand the concepts nursing presence and caring.

METHOD.  Qualitative concept comparison and synthesis.

FINDINGS.  There are substantive similarities and a notable lack of differences among the antecedents, attributes, and outcomes of nursing presence and caring. Presence and caring comprise an intentional therapeutic process that involves expert nursing practice and intimate interpersonal sensitivity. Outcomes of the process are improved mental and physical well-being among recipients and improved mental well-being among nurses.

CONCLUSIONS.  Based on the preponderance of references to presence and caring in the nursing literature, it is inferred that they are important concepts, albeit substantively redundant.

IMPLICATIONS.  To decrease confusion, nurses are urged to recognize the synonymous nature of presence and caring. Additional comparative studies are recommended to avoid redundant terminology and to promote clarity within the lexicon of nursing.