Top Nursing Problems Examples Every Nurse Should Know

When you hear the phrase nursing problems, it can sound a little vague. Are we talking about challenges nurses face on the job, or the problems we identify in patients when making care plans? The answer is both—and that’s where confusion often starts.

This guide clears things up. We’ll walk through nursing problems examples you can use in care plans and explore the real-world workplace issues nurses face. You’ll find problem statements, case scenarios, and simple tips you can use right away. By the end, you’ll see how identifying nursing problems—whether at the bedside or in your workplace—helps you plan better, advocate more, and build confidence in your role.

What Are Nursing Problems?

Clinical Nursing Problems (Care Plan Focus)

In patient care, a nursing problem is a health issue that nurses can act on through their own interventions. These aren’t medical diagnoses like diabetes or pneumonia. Instead, they describe human responses to illness—things like acute pain, impaired mobility, or risk for falls.

To make them clear and consistent, nurses use standardized labels from NANDA-I (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International). This keeps communication sharp across the care team and ensures everyone is working from the same playbook.

Workplace Nursing Problems (Professional Challenges)

“Nursing problems” can also mean the issues nurses face in practice. These include short staffing, burnout, safety risks, and limited career growth. They don’t go into care plans, but they’re very real—and they directly affect both nurses and patients.

For this article, we’ll cover nursing problems examples from both sides so you can grow your skills in patient care while also navigating professional challenges.

Having clarified the types of nursing problems we encounter, it’s essential to know how to clearly document and address them. Writing a strong nursing problem statement is key to providing effective care and ensuring clear communication within the care team.

How to Write a Nursing Problem Statement

Writing a nursing problem statement doesn’t have to feel intimidating. Think of it as a short sentence that connects three things: what’s wrong, why it’s happening, and how you know.

This is called the PES format:

• P – Problem: the issue a nurse can address (acute pain).
  
• E – Etiology: the cause (surgical incision).
  
• S – Signs/Symptoms: the proof (patient reports pain 7/10).
  

Put it together:
“Acute pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by patient report of pain 7/10.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too vague: “Patient uncomfortable” doesn’t explain anything.
  
• Using medical terms: “Pneumonia” is a disease, not a nursing problem.
  
• No evidence: Without signs or symptoms, the statement is incomplete.
  

Quick Tutorial Example

Imagine you’re caring for a patient with pneumonia. Instead of writing “Pneumonia,” focus on what you can treat:

• Problem: Impaired gas exchange.
  
• Etiology: Alveolar-capillary changes.
  
• Signs/Symptoms: Low oxygen levels, shortness of breath.
  

Final statement:
“Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar-capillary changes as evidenced by SpO₂ 88% on room air and dyspnea.”

This way, your statement is clear, specific, and actionable. For a more detailed article on Nursing Problem Statement

Now let’s look at some common clinical nursing problems. These examples will help you apply the PES format and better understand how to address patient care issues in practice.”

Top Clinical Nursing Problems Examples

Here are the first five nursing problems examples you’ll often see in care plans. Each includes a problem statement, goal, and nursing interventions.

1. Acute Pain

• Problem statement: “Acute pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by verbal report of 7/10 pain.”
  
• Goal: Patient will report pain below 3/10 within 30 minutes of intervention.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Give pain medication as ordered.
    
  • Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
    
  • Reposition for comfort.
    

2. Impaired Physical Mobility

• Problem statement: “Impaired physical mobility related to left-sided weakness as evidenced by unsteady gait.”
  
• Goal: Patient will walk 50 feet with assistance by end of shift.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Assist with ambulation using a gait belt.
    
  • Encourage range-of-motion exercises.
    
  • Provide a walker for safety.
    

3. Risk for Infection

• Problem statement: “Risk for infection related to indwelling urinary catheter.”
  
• Goal: Patient will remain free from infection during hospital stay.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Maintain hand hygiene.
    
  • Use sterile technique with catheter care.
    
  • Monitor for fever or cloudy urine.
    

4. Ineffective Airway Clearance / Impaired Gas Exchange

• Problem statement: “Ineffective airway clearance related to retained secretions as evidenced by coarse crackles.”
  
• Goal: Patient will maintain oxygen saturation above 92% within 24 hours.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Encourage coughing and deep breathing.
    
  • Provide suctioning as needed.
    
  • Administer prescribed bronchodilators.
    

5. Impaired Skin Integrity / Risk for Pressure Injury

• Problem statement: “Impaired skin integrity related to pressure over sacrum as evidenced by Stage II ulcer.”
  
• Goal: Wound will show signs of healing within 2 weeks.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Reposition every 2 hours.
    
  • Apply protective barrier cream.
    
  • Use a pressure-relieving mattress.

6. Fluid Volume Deficit / Excess

• Problem statement: “Deficient fluid volume related to vomiting and diarrhea as evidenced by dry mucous membranes and tachycardia.”
  
• Goal: Patient will maintain stable vital signs and balanced fluid intake within 48 hours.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Track intake and output every shift.
    
  • Encourage oral fluids if tolerated.
    
  • Start IV fluids as prescribed.
    

In addition to physical health issues, nurses often face psychosocial challenges that impact a patient’s overall well-being. Let’s explore some common psychosocial problems and how they can be addressed in care plans

Psychosocial Problems

7. Anxiety

• Problem statement: “Anxiety related to unfamiliar hospital environment as evidenced by restlessness and rapid speech.”
  
• Goal: Patient will verbalize reduced anxiety within 24 hours.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Speak calmly and provide reassurance.
    
  • Teach breathing exercises.
    
  • Orient patient to care routines.
    

8. Ineffective Coping

• Problem statement: “Ineffective coping related to new cancer diagnosis as evidenced by verbal expressions of hopelessness.”
  
• Goal: Patient will identify one positive coping strategy by discharge.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Encourage expression of feelings.
    
  • Refer to counseling or support groups.
    
  • Involve family in care discussions if appropriate.
    

9. Disturbed Sleep Pattern

• Problem statement: “Disturbed sleep pattern related to hospital noise as evidenced by frequent awakenings.”
  
• Goal: Patient will sleep at least 6 uninterrupted hours per night.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Reduce noise and dim lights.
    
  • Cluster care to limit disruptions.
    
  • Teach relaxation techniques before bedtime.
    

Beyond psychosocial and physical concerns, many patients face nutritional and metabolic problems that affect their recovery. These issues are just as critical to address in a comprehensive care plan.

Nutritional & Metabolic Problems

10. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements

• Problem statement: “Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to poor appetite as evidenced by 5% weight loss in one month.”
  
• Goal: Patient will eat at least 75% of meals within one week.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Offer small, frequent meals.
    
  • Consult with a dietitian.
    
  • Provide high-calorie snacks.
    

11. Constipation (Opioid-Related)

• Problem statement: “Constipation related to opioid use as evidenced by hard stools and straining.”
  
• Goal: Patient will have a soft, formed bowel movement every 1–2 days.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Encourage fluids and high-fiber foods.
    
  • Promote ambulation as tolerated.
    
  • Give stool softeners or laxatives as ordered.
    

In addition to nutritional concerns, nurses must also monitor safety and circulation to prevent complications. Let’s examine some of the most common problems nurses face in this area.

Safety & Circulation Problems

12. Risk for Falls

• Problem statement: “Risk for falls related to unsteady gait and orthostatic hypotension.”
  
• Goal: Patient will remain free from falls during hospitalization.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Provide non-slip socks and assistive devices.
    
  • Keep call light within reach.
    
  • Turn on bed alarm if needed.
    

13. Impaired Tissue Perfusion

• Problem statement: “Impaired tissue perfusion related to arterial insufficiency as evidenced by cool, pale extremities and weak pulses.”
  
• Goal: Patient will show improved circulation within one week.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Elevate legs when resting.
    
  • Encourage smoking cessation.
    
  • Monitor skin color and temperature daily.
    

14. Activity Intolerance

• Problem statement: “Activity intolerance related to decreased cardiac output as evidenced by dyspnea on exertion.”
  
• Goal: Patient will perform self-care without shortness of breath.
  
• Interventions:
  
  • Schedule rest between activities.
    
  • Assist with ADLs until strength improves.
    
  • Monitor heart rate and oxygen during activity.
    

Workplace Nursing Problems Example

Not every nursing problem belongs in a patient’s chart. Some belong to the nurses themselves. Workplace challenges like staffing shortages, burnout, and safety risks don’t show up as NANDA diagnoses, but they’re just as real. These issues affect both nurse well-being and patient safety.

Here are four common workplace nursing problems examples with practical ways to handle them.

#	Workplace Nursing Problem	Impact on Nurse Well-being	Impact on Patient Care	Solutions
1	Staffing Shortages	Increased stress, fatigue, and burnout.	Reduced quality of care, increased medical errors.	Advocate for safe staffing ratios, delegate non-clinical tasks.
2	Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion	Mental exhaustion, anxiety, physical fatigue.	Decreased attentiveness, higher risk of errors.	Regular breaks, stress management programs, mindfulness.
3	Workplace Violence	Physical injuries, trauma, emotional stress.	Disruptions in care, decreased morale.	De-escalation training, security personnel, safety protocols.
4	Physical Injury	Chronic pain, absenteeism.	Reduced ability to perform tasks.	Proper lifting equipment, ergonomic training, safety protocols.
5	Lack of Professional Development	Frustration, job dissatisfaction.	Loss of skilled staff, disengaged nurses.	Continuing education, mentorship programs, career progression.
6	Poor Work-Life Balance	Stress, emotional exhaustion, strained relationships.	Increased errors due to fatigue.	Flexible scheduling, time off, promoting work-life balance.
7	High Patient-to-Nurse Ratio	Stress, burnout.	Missed assessments, delayed care.	Advocate for appropriate ratios, use of technology to streamline tasks.
8	Inadequate Staffing of Support Staff	Overburdened nurses experience stress and fatigue.	Decreased quality of care as nurses juggle multiple roles.	Increase support staff, delegate non-clinical tasks, implement efficient workflows.
9	Toxic Work Environment	Anxiety, frustration, low morale.	Poor communication, reduced quality of care.	Open communication, conflict resolution, team-building activities.
10	Lack of Recognition and Compensation	Decreased job satisfaction, low morale.	Loss of experienced nurses, decreased engagement.	Competitive salaries, recognition programs, career advancement opportunities.
11	Chronic Staffing Vacancies	Increased workload, stress, burnout.	Decreased continuity of care, higher patient risk.	Prioritize filling vacancies, temporary staffing solutions, workload redistribution.
12	Time Constraints and Pressure	Stress, mental exhaustion.	Reduced quality of care, higher risk of errors.	Time management training, task prioritization, use of supportive technology.
13	Lack of Autonomy	Decreased job satisfaction, frustration.	Reduced ability to act on clinical judgment.	Empower nurses with decision-making authority, increase support for autonomy.
14	Inadequate Training	Stress, lack of confidence.	Increased likelihood of errors, compromised care.	Continuing education, skills training, mentorship programs.
15	Ineffective Team Dynamics	Frustration, lack of support.	Poor communication, fragmented care delivery.	Team-building activities, communication skills training, conflict resolution.
16	Moral Distress	Anxiety, guilt, emotional fatigue.	Delayed care, poor patient outcomes.	Ethical training, provide support for difficult decisions, access to moral support.
17	Discrimination and Harassment	Mental distress, decreased job satisfaction.	Poor patient-nurse communication, decreased morale.	Promote diversity, provide training on workplace harassment, ensure policies against discrimination.
18	Fear of Legal or Professional Repercussions	Anxiety, stress, lack of confidence.	Reduced quality of care due to hesitation.	Legal education, support from management, clear policies on handling legal concerns.
19	Inadequate Shift Handover or Communication	Stress, confusion.	Missed patient information, delays in care.	Structured handover processes, clear communication protocols.
20	Inconsistent Policy Enforcement	Frustration, confusion.	Safety issues, inconsistencies in patient care.	Clear, consistent policy enforcement, regular staff training.
21	Job Role Ambiguity	Confusion, stress, decreased morale.	Reduced efficiency, miscommunication in care delivery.	Clear job descriptions, regular role reviews, transparent communication.
22	Lack of Support for Family Involvement	Emotional distress, frustration.	Decreased satisfaction for patients and families.	Involve family in care discussions, provide counseling for family members.
23	Underuse of Technology	Increased workload, stress.	Inefficiency in care delivery, potential errors.	Implement new technologies, train nurses on effective use of technology.
24	Poor Job Satisfaction Due to Overwhelming Responsibilities	Stress, burnout.	Reduced quality of care, risk of errors.	Delegate responsibilities, encourage self-care, improve team support.
25	Ethical Dilemmas	Emotional distress, moral confusion.	Delay in decision-making, inconsistent care.	Provide ethical training, access to support when facing difficult decisions.
26	Inconsistent Management Styles	Stress, lack of direction.	Decreased team morale, inconsistent care delivery.	Implement uniform leadership strategies, leadership training.
27	Inability to Manage Complex Cases	Stress, burnout.	Inadequate care planning, poor patient outcomes.	Offer mentorship, collaborate with specialists, provide additional training.
28	Overuse of Agency Nurses	Lack of continuity, decreased morale.	Reduced team cohesion, inconsistent care.	Establish a more consistent staff roster, reduce reliance on agency nurses.

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These workplace problems remind us that safe, effective care depends on more than patient assessments. Supporting nurses is just as critical to ensuring quality outcomes.

Conclusion

Nursing problems are the backbone of safe and effective care. When you learn to write them clearly and apply them in practice, you set up stronger care plans and smoother teamwork.

This guide gave you 26 nursing problems examples—from acute pain and impaired mobility to workplace issues like staffing shortages and burnout. Each came with ready-to-use problem statements, goals, and interventions to guide you.

The key point? These examples are a starting place. Every patient and every workplace is different. Use these as inspiration, then shape them to fit the real situation in front of you.

With practice, spotting problems becomes second nature. Writing clear statements gets easier, and your confidence grows. In the end, that skill doesn’t just make you a better nurse—it makes you a stronger advocate for both patients and your profession.

FAQs About Nursing Problems

What’s the difference between a nursing problem and a nursing diagnosis?
A nursing problem is a broad issue, like pain or risk for infection. A nursing diagnosis is the formal statement written in a care plan, usually following NANDA-I guidelines.

Can I copy sample problem statements into my care plan?
No. Examples are guides, not templates to copy. Always adapt them to your patient’s unique condition and symptoms.

Where can I find official NANDA-approved problem labels?
The most reliable source is the latest NANDA-I International guidebook. Many nursing textbooks and trusted online resources also share updated lists.

Are workplace challenges considered nursing problems too?
Yes, but in a different way. Workplace problems—like burnout or short staffing—don’t appear in patient care plans. Still, they affect care quality and require action at the team or organizational level.