Analysis of the nursing diagnosis of [ineffective breathing pattern (00032)] in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

PurposeTo analyze the prevalence, accuracy of clinical indicators and related factors of the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern (00032) in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study conducted in a public hospital, involving 250 adult hospitalizations between 2020 and 2021. Data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records. Latent class analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern.FindingsThe prevalence of the ineffective breathing pattern diagnosis was 62%. The main clinical indicators identified included tachypnea, use of accessory muscles for breathing, abdominal paradoxical breathing pattern, and hypoxemia. Latent class analysis indicated that the three-class model was the most suitable, with Class 3 showing the highest prevalence. Indicators such as tachypnea and use of accessory muscles demonstrated high sensitivity, while hypoxemia exhibited high specificity. The presence of fatigue, pain, body position that inhibits lung expansion, and obesity significantly increased the likelihood of the ineffective breathing pattern diagnosis.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern is prevalent in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, with precise clinical indicators. Fatigue, pain, inadequate body position, and obesity were associated factors.Implications for Nursing PracticeThe clinical validation of the ineffective breathing pattern diagnosis in the population of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 is essential for improving the level of evidence. Additionally, it contributes to the nurse's diagnostic inference in clinical practice and decision making for appropriate treatment.