This study aimed to identify and validate the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis Impaired spirituality. The methodological framework proposed by Fehring for the clinical validation of nursing diagnosis was used. The investigation was carried out in a dialysis clinic and had as participants 120 patients with chronic renal disease. Data were collected by two expert nurses, through interviews. The prevalence of the nursing diagnosis Impaired spirituality in the sample was 27.5%. It

more »

... as found that the most frequent defining characteristics were Expresses behavioral changes: rage, Inability to express creativity, Questions suffering and Expresses alienation. The clinical validation of Impaired spirituality contributed to refine this diagnosis. Its identification in patients with chronic renal disease undergoing dialysis treatment can offer alternatives for a safer and more effective intervention, aiming at the satisfaction of the spiritual needs of these patients.