OBJECTIVE: Identify and analyze the nursing diagnoses relates to the presence of geriatric syndromes in hospitalized elderly. METHODS: This is a study of a quantitative approach, using researching techniques, semi-structured interviews and specific forms from gerontology. The subjects were 66 individuals over 65 years old, admitted to the clinical and surgical units of the University Hospital Antonio Pedro, Niterói-RJ, Brazil. RESULTS: We identified 394 nursing diagnoses related to five major geriatric syndromes, Social Isolation 129 (32,8%), Iatrogenic 113 (28,6%), Postural Instability 81 (20,6%) Cerebral Insufficiency 44 (11,1%), and Urinary Incontinence 27 (6,9%). DISCUSSION: We can infer that on average two syndromes occur in elderly, increasing the risk of weakness, and consequently the likelihood of complications, increased cost, and re-admissions. CONCLUSION: Therefore nursing care for hospitalized elderly should be directed to facilitate the identification of potential risks, in order to promote independence and the maintenance of autonomy, to reduce complications, hospitalization time and future re-admissions.
Nursing Diagnosis; Health of the Elderly; Geriatric Nursing
