Beyond the Bedside — Chapter 16: Diagnosis / Problem Identification
Turn messy real life into clean, defensible nursing problem statements. In this episode, we master diagnostic reasoning, write bullet-proof PE/PES statements, and avoid test-bait errors that derail care. We’ll apply PPMP (Predict–Prevent–Manage–Promote), Tanner’s Clinical Judgment, and QSEN competencies across three full cases—Martin (constipation + rectal bleeding), Antonia (treatable cancer, missed follow-ups), and Angie (suspected date-rape survivor). You’ll learn how to cluster cues, validate with patients, document in the EHR, and choose etiologies that actually drive interventions.
Highlights
PE vs. PES: write it right
Nursing vs. medical diagnosis (Table 16-1)
Box 16-1 rapid screen (Actual/Risk/Possible)
Common errors & fixes (Table 16-4)
Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive wording
NCLEX mini-drill + prioritization bridge to Ch. 17
Keywords: nursing diagnosis, PE/PES, PPMP, Tanner model, QSEN, data clustering, EHR problem list, NCLEX prep, concept mapping, patient-centered care.
