Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology For Nurses Practice Exam

The main distinction is whether there is current evidence of a problem or if a problem is only possible. An actual nursing diagnosis is a real problem the patient is experiencing now and is supported by defining characteristics (signs and symptoms) and contributing factors (etiology), and it uses a NANDA-I label with those elements clearly linked. A risk diagnosis, on the other hand, points to a potential problem that could develop because risk factors are present, but there are no defining characteristics to confirm an existing problem. So the statement that an actual diagnosis includes a NANDA label, contributing factors, and defining characteristics, while a risk diagnosis indicates only potential problems, best captures the difference. For example, an actual diagnosis might be Impaired gas exchange with evidence like dyspnea, restlessness, and low oxygen saturation, plus factors such as pneumonia; a risk diagnosis might be Risk for falls, with factors like age and weakness but without current defining characteristics of a fall-related injury.