Nursing school
Nursing concept map examples
A nursing concept map visually links a patient's medical diagnoses, pathophysiology, medications, labs, nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes onto one page. Below are worked examples for the four rotations most US BSN and MSN students are graded on: med-surg, mental health, OB, and pediatrics.
The 6 nodes every concept map needs
Medical diagnosis (center) · pathophysiology in 1-2 sentences · relevant labs and diagnostics · current medications with class and rationale · NANDA nursing diagnoses (2-3, prioritized) · interventions and expected outcomes tied to each diagnosis. Faculty grade the arrows, not the boxes — every connection needs a rationale.
Med-surg example: 68-year-old with CHF exacerbation
Central diagnosis: acute decompensated heart failure. Patho: reduced left ventricular ejection fraction → pulmonary congestion → dyspnea. Labs: BNP 1,240, K+ 3.1, creatinine 1.6. Meds: furosemide (loop diuretic, reduces preload), lisinopril (ACE-I, afterload reduction), metoprolol (beta-blocker). Nursing dx: Impaired Gas Exchange r/t alveolar-capillary changes; Excess Fluid Volume r/t compromised regulatory mechanisms. Interventions: HOB 45°, daily weights, strict I&O, K+ replacement, teach low-sodium diet.
Mental health example: bipolar I, manic episode
Central dx: bipolar I disorder, current episode manic. Patho: dysregulated dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling in prefrontal cortex. Meds: lithium (mood stabilizer, monitor level 0.6-1.2), olanzapine (atypical antipsychotic). Nursing dx: Risk for Injury r/t impulsivity; Disturbed Thought Processes r/t neurochemical imbalance. Interventions: low-stimulation environment, finger-food meals, seclusion protocol, lithium teaching (hydration, salt intake, tremor).
OB example: preeclampsia at 34 weeks
Central dx: severe preeclampsia. Patho: endothelial dysfunction → systemic vasoconstriction → HTN + proteinuria. Labs: BP 168/108, urine protein 3+, platelets 88k. Meds: magnesium sulfate (seizure prophylaxis), labetalol (BP control), betamethasone (fetal lung maturity). Nursing dx: Risk for Injury (maternal seizure); Risk for Impaired Gas Exchange (fetus). Interventions: DTR checks q1h, mag level q4h, strict I&O, seizure precautions at bedside.
Peds example: 4-year-old with acute asthma exacerbation
Central dx: status asthmaticus. Patho: bronchospasm + mucus plugging → V/Q mismatch. Meds: albuterol (SABA), ipratropium (anticholinergic), IV methylprednisolone. Nursing dx: Ineffective Airway Clearance r/t bronchoconstriction. Interventions: continuous SpO2, peak flow q4h, tripod positioning, family education on trigger avoidance and rescue inhaler technique.
How to earn the full rubric points
Draw arrows in both directions where a med treats a diagnosis AND a lab monitors the med. Cite one peer-reviewed source per medication (Lehne, Karch, or a UpToDate summary). Prioritize nursing diagnoses with Maslow — physiological first, then safety, then psychosocial. Keep it on one page — faculty deduct for maps that sprawl to page 2.
Frequently asked questions
How many nursing diagnoses go on a concept map?
Two or three prioritized diagnoses. More than that dilutes the map and faculty flag it as unfocused.
Do I use NANDA-I or NANDA International labels?
Both are the same organization. Use the current NANDA-I 2024-2026 taxonomy labels — older ones lose points on updated rubrics.
Can I hand-draw the concept map?
Yes if the syllabus allows it. Most US programs now require typed submission — use Lucidchart, Miro, or the Word SmartArt hierarchy templates.
Need a nurse to build your concept map?
Order at https://tutorsgallery.org/orders/stud/new, pick "Nursing," and attach your patient scenario. A US RN with the relevant clinical background delivers a rubric-ready concept map in 24-48 hours.