NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Fear/Anxiety May be related to Situational crises: hospitalization/isolation procedures, interpersonal transmission and contagion, memory of the

trauma experience, threat of death and/or disfigurement Possibly evidenced by Expressed concern regarding changes in life, fear of unspecific consequences Apprehension; increased tension Feelings of helplessness, uncertainty, decreased self-assurance Sympathetic stimulation, extraneous movements, restlessness, insomnia DESIRED OUTCOMES/EVALUATION CRITERIAPATIENT WILL: Fear [or] Anxiety Control (NOC) Verbalize awareness of feelings and healthy ways to deal with them. Report anxiety/fear reduced to manageable level. Demonstrate problem-solving skills, effective use of resources.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS
Anxiety Reduction (NIC)

RATIONALE

Independent
Provide frequent explanations and information about care procedures. Repeat information as needed/desired. Knowing what to expect usually reduces fear and anxiety, clarifies misconceptions, and promotes cooperation. Note: Because of the shock of the initial trauma, many people do not recall information provided during that time.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS
Anxiety Reduction (NIC)

RATIONALE

Independent
Demonstrate willingness to listen and talk to patient when free of painful procedures. Helps patient/SO know that support is available and that healthcare provider is interested in the person, not just care of the burn. Promotes sense of control and cooperation, decreasing feelings of helplessness/hopelessness.

Involve patient/SO in decision-making process whenever possible. Provide time for questioning and repetition of proposed treatments. Assess mental status, including mood/affect, comprehension of events, and content of thoughts, e.g., illusions or manifestations of terror/panic.

Initially, patient may use denial and repression to reduce and filter information that might be overwhelming. Some patients display calm manner and alert mental status, representing a dissociation from reality, which is also a protective mechanism. Indicators of extreme anxiety/delirium state in which patient is literally fighting for life. Although cause can be psychologically based, pathological life-threatening causes (e.g., shock, sepsis, hypoxia) must be ruled out. Helps patient stay in touch with surroundings and reality.

Investigate changes in mentation and presence of hypervigilance, hallucinations, sleep disturbances (e.g., nightmares), agitation/apathy, disorientation, and labile affect, all of which may vary from moment to moment. Provide constant and consistent orientation.

Encourage patient to talk about the burn circumstances when ready.

Patient may need to tell the story of what happened over and over to make some sense out of a terrifying situation. Adjustment to the impact of the trauma, grief over losses and disfigurement can easily lead to clinical depression, psychosis, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compassionate statements reflecting the reality of the situation can help patient/SO acknowledge that reality and begin to deal with what has happened. Past successful behavior can be used to assist in dealing with the present situation. Patients experience severe anxiety associated with burn trauma and treatment. These interventions are soothing and helpful for positive outcomes. The family may initially be most concerned about patients dying and/or feel guilty, believing that in some way they could have prevented the incident. Family relationships are disrupted; financial, lifestyle/role changes make this a difficult time for those involved with patient, and they may react in many different ways. Maintains contact with a familiar reality, creating a sense of attachment and continuity of life.

Explain to patient what happened. Provide opportunity for questions and give open/honest answers.

Identify previous methods of coping/handling of stressful situations. Create a restful environment, use guided imagery and relaxation exercises.

Assist the family to express their feelings of grief and guilt.

Be empathetic and nonjudgmental in dealing with patient and family.

Encourage family/SO to visit and discuss family happenings. Remind patient of past and future events.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS
Anxiety Reduction (NIC)

RATIONALE

Collaborative
Involve entire burn team in care from admission to discharge, including social worker and psychiatric resources. Administer mild sedation as indicated, lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), midazolam (Versed). Provides a wider support system and promotes continuity of care and coordination of activities.

Antianxiety medications may be necessary for a brief period until patient is more physically stable and internal locus of control is regained.