Validation of Priority NIC Interventions and Suggested NOC Outcomes for Fluid Volume Excess

Abstract

PURPOSETo identify and evalutate NIC priority interventions performed by Brazilian nurses and the associated NOC outcomes for patients whose clinical conditions suggest fluid volume excess.METHODSAn exploratory study was developed in two phases: (a) validation of the content of the priority NIC interventions and suggested NOC outcomes by seven expert nurses from a cardiology ward and the researcher, and (b) activities and indicators chosen were performed and evaluated daily for all patients admitted to the cardiology ward whose clinical conditions suggested fluid volume excess.FINDINGSNurses chose 26 activities from the NIC categories of “fluid management,” 23 from “fluid monitoring,” and 28 from “hypervolemia management.” Eighteen NOC outcomes were chosen from Fluid Balance, 11 from Hydration, and 13 from Electrolyte and Acid/Base Balance.CONCLUSIONSNurses identified many NIC activities that are important to their practice, and they also agreed with many NOC indicators. The use of standardized languages for interventions and outcomes will allow them to develop the process of nursing care and to establish practice standards.