Nursing diagnoses concurrent with multiple sclerosis.

Nursing Diagnoses which commonly occur in patients with MS was the focus of this descriptive study. Using a functional health pattern assessment format, nine inpatients and six outpatients were assessed. Five frequently occurring dysfunctional patterns were: Self-Care Deficit, Self-Esteem Disturbance, Potential for Ineffective Family Coping: Compromised, Sleep Disturbance, and Social Isolation. The four most frequently identified Nursing Diagnoses (dysfunctional patterns plus etiology) were: Self-Esteem Disturbance related to Altered Body Image, Self-Care Deficit: I Bathing related to Generalized Weakness, Social Isolation related to Impaired Mobility, and Potential Ineffective Family Coping: Compromised.