Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the nursing diagnosis-nursing interventions-nursing outcomes (NNN) system to provide a standardized language for elderly patients in a postanesthetic care unit. Method: Measurements for this study came from three sources: the standardized language of nursing diagnoses developed by NANDA, the intervention of the NIC, and the outcomes of NOC for elderly patients. Results: We were able to establish NNN connections by selecting 6 major nursing diagnoses and arranging nursing interventions and nursing outcomes according to their frequencies in each respective category.
The 6 major NNN connection for elderly patients following surgery recovery are Hypothermia-Temperature regulation-Thermoregulation; Acute pain-Analgesic administration-Pain level; Decreased cardiac output-Vital signs monitoring-Vital signs status; Ineffective breathing pattern-Respiratory monitoring- Respiratory: ventilation; Impaired oral mucous membrane-Oral health maintenance-Oral hygiene; Nausea-Nausea management-Nausea and Vomiting control. Conclusion: The NNN connection can be applied to elderly patients recovering from surgery for science-based and individualized nursing care.