The nurse is caring for a patient who is anticipating the loss of a limb following an accident. The patient states, "I feel like I have no control over this." What nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this patient?
1. Powerlessness
2. Hopelessness
3. Spiritual distress
4. Ineffective coping
Answer: 1
Explanation: Powerlessness is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient. Powerlessness is defined as the belief that one has no control over circumstances or outcomes. Hopelessness is a state in which an individual feels restrained (without choices or alternatives) and immobilized. While the patient expresses distress over the lack of choice for amputation, the patient states no control over the circumstance, indicating powerlessness, not hopelessness. Spiritual distress is best described by the disruption of an individual's capacity to assimilate or find meaning and purpose in his or her life by connecting with self, others, the arts, nature, and/ or a higher power. Ineffective coping is an impairment of problem solving skills, which the patient is not displaying.
You might also like to view...
The school nurse completes an assessment of a 6-year-old child to determine the services this child will need in the classroom. The child needs respiratory support with oxygen
The child requires enteral tube feedings and intravenous medications during the school day. With these needs, the school nurse evaluates the child to be: 1. Developmentally delayed. 2. Mentally retarded. 3. Socially withdrawn. 4. Medically fragile
When providing care to a client with hypertension who is receiving antihypertensive therapy, which assessment would be the highest priority?
A) Pain rating B) Blood pressure monitoring C) Weight measurement D) Complaints of adverse reactions
Which of the following roles of the nurse is most important in providing continuity of care to clients? Select all that apply
A) Educator B) Collaborator C) Mentor D) Advocate E) Role model
One of the greatest nursing considerations for clients who receive benzodiazepines is that the drugs:
a. mask symptoms of increased anxiety b. have decidedly short half-lives c. cause irreversible side effects d. are associated with dependence