Identify the defining characteristics in the following nursing diagnos

Identify the defining characteristics in the following nursing diagnosis: Altered speech related to recent neurological disturbance, as evidenced by inability to speak in complete sentences.

1. “Altered speech”
2. “As evidenced by”
3. “Recent neurological disturbances”
4. “Inability to speak in complete sentences”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Defining characteristics are assessment findings that support the nursing diagnosis. In this exam-ple, the inability to speak in complete sentences supports the nursing diagnosis of altered speech. “Altered speech” is the diagnostic label identifying the problem. “As evidenced by” is a con-necting statement for the problem and the defining characteristics. “Recent neurological disturb-ances” is the etiology.