This study aimed at identifying and performing content validation of the defining characteristics of the diagnoses of fear and anxiety for a burned patient. An instrument made up of manifestations of both diagnoses presented by Taxionomy I of the North American Nursing Diagnoses Association was elaborated, as well as others that were found in the literature. Sixteen nurses were interviewed. Out of the 97 characteristics presented in the instrument, 31 were excluded for the diagnoses "fear", and 27 for "anxiety". Eight characteristics had a score average above 0.70 for "fear" and 18 for "anxiety". The characteristics with the highest score were "expressed concern due to changes in life events" for anxiety and "insomnia referred or perceived" for fear.
burn; anxiety; fear
