[Profile of nursing diagnoses of hospitalized patients in an infectious disease unit]

To define the profile of nursing diagnoses of hospitalized patients at an infectious diseases unit.

This is a descriptive study based on the quantitative approach conducted at an infectious diseases unit in Paraiba, Brazil, from January to February 2014. The data collection instrument was based on the Theory of Basic Human Needs by Wanda de Aguiar Horta, followed by the classification system CIPER version 2.0 to construct the diagnoses.

Data analysis resulted in 36 nursing diagnoses statements, with a higher prevalence of impaired food intake, cachexia, impaired spontaneous bladder elimination, impaired oral cavity hygiene, exposure to contamination, rapid heart rate, insomnia, drug abuse, alcohol and tobacco abuse, social isolation, acceptance and fear.

The identification of a diagnostics profile is critical to guide nursing interventions.