Sedentary Lifestyle - Nursing Diagnosis and Interventions

Nursing Care Plan Sedentary Lifestyle - Sedentary lifestyle is a mode of living in which a person, an adult or child, does not engage in sufficient physical activity or exercise for what is generally considered healthy living. The term is often used by doctors or professionals within the medical community to describe a lifestyle among many people in highly developed countries that does not afford them opportunities for physical activity. This type of living has been heavily influenced by the propagation of passive forms of entertainment such as television, video games, and computer use. Along with such inactive types of entertainment, shifting of large numbers of adult workers from physical labor to office jobs has also increased the tendency for many people, especially in technologically developed nations, toward a sedentary lifestyle.

Nursing diagnosis: sedentary Lifestyle related to Lack of interest, motivation, resources, Lack of training or knowledge of specific exercise needs, Safety concerns or fear of injury.

Possibly evidenced by
Physical deconditioning
Daily routine lacking in physical exercise

Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria—Client Will
Knowledge: Prescribed Activity
Verbalize understanding of importance of regular exercise to weight loss and general well-being.
Identify necessary precautions and safety concerns and self-monitoring techniques.
Formulate realistic exercise program with gradual increase in activity.

Nursing intervention with rationale:
1. Review necessity for and benefits of regular exercise.
Rationale: Exercise promotes weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing energy, toning muscles, and enhancing cardiac fitness and sense of well-being and accomplishment.

2. Determine current activity level and plan progressive exercise program tailored to the individual’s physical condition, goals, and choice.
Rationale: Commitment on the part of the client enables the setting of more realistic goals and adherence to the plan.

3. Identify perceived and actual barriers to exercise.
Rationale: Lack of resources, including proper apparel such as supportive shoes and comfortable clothing, a safe place to walk, or facility membership for water aerobics, reduces the likelihood of individual adhering to specific program. In addition, fear of discrimination or ridicule by others may limit client’s willingness to exercise in public.

4. Discuss appropriate warm-up exercises, cool-down activities, and specific techniques to avoid injury.
Rationale: Preventing muscle injuries allows client to stay active. Time spent recuperating from exercise-induced injuries may result in relapse to sedentary habits.

5. Determine optimal exercise heart rate. Demonstrate proper technique to monitor pulse and discuss signs and symptoms requiring modification of activity.
Rationale: Promotes safety as client exercises to tolerance, not peer pressure.

6. Identify alternatives to chosen activity program to accommodate weather, travel, and so forth.
Rationale: Promotes continuation of program.

7. Discuss use of mechanical devices or equipment for weight reduction.
Rationale: Fat loss occurs on a generalized overall basis, and there is no evidence that spot reducing or mechanical devices aid in weight loss in specific areas; however, specific types of exercise or equipment may be useful in toning specific body parts.

8. Recommend keeping a graph of activity as exercise program advances.
Rationale: Provides visual record of progress and positive reinforcement for efforts.

9. Suggest client identify an exercise buddy.
Rationale: Provides support and companionship, increasing likelihood of adherence to program.

10. Encourage involvement in social activities that are not centered on food—bike ride or nature hike, attending musical event, and group sporting activities.
Rationale: Provides opportunity for pleasure and relaxation not associated with food.