Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance


Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance | Definition of Activity Intolerance; Defining Characteristics of Activity Intolerance; Related Factors of Activity Intolerance


 Nursing Care Plan for Activity Intolerance: Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance

Definition of Activity Intolerance

  • Insufficient physiological or psychological energy to endure or complete required or desired daily activities

Defining Characteristics of Activity Intolerance

  • Abnormal blood pressure and heart rate response to activity

  • Electrocardiographic changes reflecting arrhythmias and/or ischemia

  • Exertional discomfort and/or dyspnea

  • Verbal report of fatigue and/or weakness

Related Factors of Activity Intolerance

  • Bed rest

  • Immobility

  • Generalized weakness

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Imbalance between oxygen supply and demand

Assessment Focus | Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance


Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance | Assessment Focus of Activity Intolerance; Expected Outcomes; Suggested NOC Outcomes

Assessment Focus of Activity Intolerance (Refer To Comprehensive Assessment Parameters.)

  • Activity/exercise

  • Cardiac function

  • Respiratory function

Expected Outcomes | Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance

The patient will

  • Regain and maintain muscle mass and strength.

  • Maintain maximum joint range of motion (ROM).

  • Perform isometric exercises.

  • Help perform self-care activities.

  • Maintain heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure within expected range during periods of activity.

  • State understanding of and willingness to cooperate in maximizing the activity level.

  • Perform self-care activities to tolerance level.

Suggested NOC Outcomes | Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance

Activity Tolerance; Endurance; Energy Conservation; Self-Care: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs); Self-Care: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)


Nursing Interventions of Activity Intolerance | Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance


Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance | Nursing Interventions of Activity Intolerance and Rationale; Suggested NIC Interventions­­­­­­

  • Monitor physiologic responses to increased activity level, including respirations, heart rate and rhythm, and blood pressure, to ensure that these return to normal within 2–5 min after stopping exercise.

  • Perform active or passive ROM exercises to all extremities every 2–4 hr. These exercises foster muscle strength and tone, maintain joint mobility, and prevent contractures.

  • Turn and reposition patient at least every 2 hr. Establish a turning schedule for the dependent patient. Post schedule at bedside and monitor frequency. Turning and repositioning prevent skin breakdown and improve lung expansion and prevent atelectasis.

  • Maintain proper body alignment at all times to avoid contractures and maintain optimal musculoskeletal balance and physiologic function.

  • Encourage active exercise: Provide a trapeze or other assistive device whenever possible. Such devices simplify moving and turning for many patients and allow them to strengthen some upper-body muscles.

  • Teach about isometric exercises to allow patients to maintain or increase muscle tone and joint mobility.

  • Teach caregivers to assist patients with ADLs in a way that maximizes patients’ potential. This enables caregivers to participate in patients’ care and encourages them to support patients’ independence.

  • Provide emotional support and encouragement to help improve patient’s self-concept and motivate patient to perform ADLs.

  • Involve patient in planning and decision making. Having the ability to participate will encourage greater compliance with the plan for activity.

  • Have patient perform ADLs. Begin slowly and increase daily, as tolerated. Performing ADLs will assist patient to regain independence and enhance self-esteem.

  • Refer to case manager/social worker to ensure that a home assessment has been done and that whatever modifications were needed to accommodate the patient’s level of mobility have been made. Making adjustments in the home will allow the patient a greater degree of independence in performing ADLs, allowing better conservation of energy.

Suggested NIC Interventions | Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance

Activity Therapy; Ambulation; Body Mechanics Promotion; Energy Management; Exercise Promotion: Strength Training; Exercise Therapy: Balance, Joint Mobility, Muscle Control

This is a sample of Nursing Diagnosis for Activity Intolerance.