A patient with serious mental illness who has just moved into a homeless shelter tells the nurse that his "life just got out of control.". He says he could not depend on others, so he kept to himself

Question

Then he added, "I am like a leaf at the mercy of the wind.". The nurse adds the nursing diagnosis of Powerlessness to his care plan. Which entry in his chart best suggests that the treatment plan is helping with this diagnosis? a. "Spent the day applying for positions at four local fast food places.".
b. "Playing chess with peer, went for walk earlier, no paranoia noted.".
c. "Hygiene adequate, no body odor noted, washed clothes on his own.".
d. "Patient reports that he has made friends with a peer at the group home.".

Answer 1

A
A desired outcome would be "decreased powerlessness" or "empowerment achieved," and indicators for those outcomes could include anything that suggests the patient is initiating goal-directed activities or feeling empowered. Applying for positions suggests that he feels empowered and capable. The other observations document decreased withdrawal (interacting), improved self-care (hygiene), and socialization (made friends).