Operational definitions of outcome indicators related to ineffective breathing patterns in children with congenital heart disease.
OBJECTIVE
The development of operational definitions leads to accurate assessments of health conditions. Many health indicators in the Nursing Outcomes Classification require the development of operational definitions. We sought to determine the validity of operational definitions for indicators of nursing outcomes that assess respiratory status in children with congenital heart disease.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Eight trained nurses evaluated 45 children with congenital heart disease who were aged ≤ 1 year and previously diagnosed with ineffective breathing patterns. The statistical analysis included median differences, intraclass correlations, and cluster analyses.


RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The nonuse of definitions produced inconsistencies in evaluations among evaluators. This inconsistency was not evident in the group using operational definitions. Two indicators were significant in all statistical analyses: asymmetrical chest expansion and percussed sounds.