Activity Intolerance is a nursing diagnosis defined as a functional limitation in activity due to cardiovascular or respiratory compromise.

Activity Intolerance Nursing Diagnosis

1. Definition

Activity Intolerance is a problem with the body’s inability to handle the physical stress of exercise.

In other words, it is an imbalance in what you can do and what you should be doing. It may result from chronic pain or fatigue, which makes it more difficult for you to do your usual activities.

2. It is related to decreased cardiopulmonary reserve secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy, and a poorly fitting oxygen mask (mask leaks air from the mask) as evidenced by increased respiratory effort, increased pulse rate, decreasing oxygen saturation, and client report of shortness of breath.

• It is related to decreased cardiopulmonary reserve secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy, and a poorly fitting oxygen mask (mask leaks air from the mask) as evidenced by increased respiratory effort, increased pulse rate, decreasing oxygen saturation, and client report of shortness of breath.
• The client may also have difficulty speaking because of dyspnea.

3. Etiology

Etiology

Intolerance to exercise is related to decreased cardiopulmonary reserve secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy, and a poorly fitting oxygen mask (mask leaks air from the mask) as evidenced by increased respiratory effort, increased pulse rate, decreasing oxygen saturation, and client report of shortness of breath.

4. Adequate oxygen levels are not being delivered to the tissues by the blood, causing a decrease in energy.

Oxygen is carried in the blood and delivered to the tissues, where it is used by the cells to produce energy. This is called aerobic metabolism. The energy that’s produced helps your body do work, like walking or moving.

5. Related Factors

• Inadequate cardiac output
• Ineffective regulation of respiration
• Maldistribution of blood flow
• Impaired gas exchange

6. Inadequate cardiac output; ineffective regulation of respiration, ineffective airway clearance; maldistribution of blood flow, ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange.

This is the most serious and most common of all the respiratory complications. It results from a lack of oxygen delivery to tissues because of a reduced cardiac output or an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood. Symptoms include shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate and effort, decreased arterial oxygen saturation level (pulse oximetry), increased heart rate, anxiety and altered consciousness. The client may also report fatigue or weakness as a result of this condition.

7. Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria—Client Will

You will be expected to:

• Maintain adequate gas exchange through control of ventilation with or without mechanical assistance/support.
• Maintain adequate oxygenation and tissue perfusion.
• Maintain adequate energy levels.
• Maintain adequate cardiac output.

8. Maintain adequate gas exchange through control of ventilation with or without mechanical assistance/support.

Intolerance of Activity is a condition in which your body cannot tolerate the exertion of normal activity. It may be caused by a disease, injury, or other condition that interferes with your ability to move as much as you want to. You may have trouble breathing or experience chest pain or shortness of breath when you are active.

If you have Intolerance of Activity, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. A physical exam will be done. The following tests may also be done:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram)

9. Activity Intolerance Nursing Diagnosis

Activity Intolerance Nursing Diagnosis

A. Definition: Activity intolerance is a diminished ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing and walking across a room due to shortness of breath or fatigue that occurs with activity. The patient may have normal or near-normal vital signs and oxygen saturation levels during rest, but experiences dyspnea during ADLs despite adequate exercise tolerance. This can include difficulty climbing stairs or performing household chores.

Activity Intolerance Nursing Diagnosis B:

B. Classification: Activity Intolerance is a functional limitation characterized by an inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) at home or in the community because of shortness of breath or fatigue that occurs with activity. Total symptoms should occur at least three times per week for at least four weeks and should result in disability according to DSM-5 criteria (American Psychiatric Association 2014). Dyspnea should be accompanied by orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, which are unexplained physiologic findings associated with various cardiopulmonary conditions including pulmonary fibrosis, asthma/COPD exacerbation, pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PH), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and heart failure; however they may also be indicative of a psychiatric condition such as depression

Closing

Activity Intolerance is a nursing diagnosis that is important to recognize because it can lead to decreased quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, and longer hospital stays. The nurse should assess for this diagnosis when the client is unable to participate in activities because of shortness of breath or fatigue. Nursing interventions may include providing a quiet environment and encouraging the client to rest; providing frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush if appropriate; and assisting with ambulation if needed