OBJECTIVE: Identify and analyze the nursing diagnosis of Impaired Memory (IM) in hospitalized elderly. METHODS: A quantitative, exploratory study was performed using a research protocol, leading to the identification of the nursing diagnosis, Impaired Memory, in 61 elderly inpatients in a university hospital in the state of Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: Among these seniors, 24 (39.4%) exhibited IM; 50% of these seniors were women, 33.3% were aged 71-75 years and 45.8% had completed elementary education. The study identified 125 defining characteristics, with the primary characteristic being: forgets to perform a behavior at a scheduled time. A total of 54 related factors were identified, with the primary factor (50%) noted to be: fluid and electrolyte imbalance. CONCLUSION: The need for trained nurses anticipating risks triggering admissions is necessary for accurate identification of nursing diagnoses in the hospital setting. It is especially important that nurses are able to identify memory loss and assess maintenance of functional capacity, with a view to rehabilitation after discharge and promotion of holistic treatment for these patients.
Dementia; Nursing diagnosis; Geriatric nursing; Memory; Health of the elderly
