Components of a Nursing Diagnosis

Problem Statement (diagnostic label) — describes the clients health problem

Etiology (related factor) — the probable cause of the health problem

Defining Characteristic — a cluster of signs and symptoms

e.g. Ineffective airway clearance related to the presence of tracheo-bronchial secretion as manifested by thick tenacious sputum upon expectoration.

Problem (Ineffective airway clearance) + Etiology (related to) + Defining Characteristics (as manifested by)