Using Nursing Diagnoses in Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in the Cancer Patient

PURPOSE.  To explore the use of NANDA, NIC, and NOC classification systems in the psychological and physical care of patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

METHOD.  Review of the literature on alopecia in relation to the NANDA nursing diagnosis classification.

FINDINGS.  Two key nursing diagnoses are related to alopecia. One is disturbed body image and the other is grieving.

CONCLUSION.  By using nursing diagnoses, the nurse can identify the defining characteristics associated with the specific problems experienced by the patient with alopecia.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Moving from the nursing diagnoses, the nurse can develop individualized nursing interventions and generate a realistic outcome in collaboration with the patient.