Objective <p>Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, an in-depth discussion of clinical nurses’ behavioral intentions in managing cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with colorectal cancer, to provide a reference for constructing a standardized management process and implementing precise intervention strategies.</p> Design <p>Phenomenological qualitative methodology.</p> Methods <p>From November to December 2024, 11 nurses in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of a tertiary hospital in Yangzhou City were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews. The Colaizzi 7-step method was used to analyze, summarize, and refine the interview data. According to the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the researchers identified and summarized the themes.</p> Results <p>Three main themes emerged: behavioral attitudes (positive and negative), subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The eleven sub-themes were: perception of importance, self-efficacy, insufficient level of cognition, inadequate risk perception capacity, sense of professional responsibility, pressures from patients and family members, impact of multidisciplinary teams, heavy workloads, lack of medical resources, lack of a standardized care process, and lack of information support systems.</p> Conclusion <p>Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study found that gastrointestinal surgical nurses’ behavioral intentions regarding the management of CRCI in colorectal cancer patients were influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Optimization of management practices through professional training and multidisciplinary collaboration is recommended.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>