Acurácia das características definidoras do diagnóstico de enfermagem “ Nutrição desequilibrada : menos do que as necessidades corporais” em crianças na primeira infância

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the accuracy of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis "Imbalanced Nutrition: less than body requirements" in children of early childhood. This is a cross-sectional study of diagnostic accuracy. The study was conducted in a non-governmental organization located in the city of Fortaleza, reference center in childcare malnutrition. The population consisted of children in early childhood, from both genders, with sample of 123 children. For data collection, an instrument was developed based on the defining characteristics of the diagnosis in question, as well as socio-demographic patient data and other signs and symptoms of malnutrition not included in the list of defining characteristics of NANDA International. Data were statistically analyzed with the support of statistical package SPSS version 19.0 for Windows ® and R software version 2.12.1. To check the sensitivity and specificity of each defining characteristic the method of latent class analysis was used. The sociodemographic data showed slight predominance of males. Seventy-eight percent were from the capital Fortaleza, 63.4% of the children not attending school and at least half of the children were less than 35 months old. The predominant nutritional diagnosis was mild malnutrition. The most common characteristics in the study were Reports inadequate food intake less than RDA (recommended daily allowance) (48.8%), irritability (48%) and Satiety immediately after ingesting food (37.4%).The latent class model estimated the prevalence of diagnosis in 27.6%. The characteristics that showed the best measures of accuracy for inferring initial spectra of the diagnosis in the study were lack of interest in food and satiety immediately after ingesting food. Just as the defining characteristics Aversion to eating, weakness of muscles required for swallowing, perceived inability to ingest food, and reports altered taste sensation presenting as good indicators for confirmation of nursing diagnosis in question. Finally, understand the importance of this study for enhancing the elements of nursing diagnosis and to assist nurses in clinical practice, as it allows reducing the biases in inferences made not based on clinical evidence, contributing to improving quality of care.