RESUMO
PURPOSE: To assess the applicability of the systematization of nursing care (NCS) to outpatient nursing appointments using the NANDA-I and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) taxonomies. METHODS: Data were collected from 40 patients who had appointments with a nurse who specialized in mental health. Nursing diagnoses (NDs) and interventions were classified using the NANDA-I and NIC taxonomies, respectively. FINDINGS: A total of 14 different NDs were detected (minimum of one and maximum of three per appointment). The most frequently made diagnoses were impaired social interaction (00052), anxiety (00146), and ineffective self-health management (00078). A total of 23 nursing interventions were prescribed (approximately two per appointment), of which the most frequent were socialization enhancement (5100), self-care assistance (1800), and exercise promotion (0200). Significant associations were found between the most frequently detected NDs and the most commonly prescribed interventions (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The NCS through the use of classification systems allows mental health nurses to better identify and assist poorly adjusted patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The assessment of the applicability of the NCS to different areas of health care and types of medical assistance contributes significantly to the quality of nursing care.