Show
Powerlessness NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans Powerlessness is a nursing diagnosis defined as a state in which the individual perceives a lack of personal control over certain situations or events and a sense that his/her actions will have no significant influence on an outcome. This affects the individual’s outlook, lifestyles, and goals. Patients who experience powerlessness may feel like there is a loss of control over their situation and may exhibit violent behavior, apathy, passivity, or anger. Situations where a patient may perceive powerlessness include being diagnosed with a chronic illness such as terminal cancer and congestive heart failure. Patients who have lost abilities for the performance of activities of daily living due to an amputation or a stroke may also feel powerlessness. In the nursing profession, powerlessness that is undiagnosed in patients can be a life-threatening situation; therefore, correct and immediate nursing diagnosis coupled with appropriate nursing interventions is essential. Factors Related to Powerlessness
Defining Characteristics of Powerlessness
Nursing Care for Patients with Powerlessness
Powerlessness Nursing DiagnosisNursing Care Plan Powerlessness 1Anxiety Disorder Nursing Diagnosis: Powerlessness related to expression of an actual or perceived threatening situation secondary to anxiety disorder as evidenced by extraneous movement, fidgeting, hypervigilance, insomnia, poor eye contact, and restlessness secondary to anxiety Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to identify, verbalize, and demonstrate techniques to control anxiety and demonstrate return of basic problem-solving skills
Nursing Care Plan Powerlessness 2Diabetes Nursing Diagnosis: Powerlessness related to insufficient information secondary to diabetes diagnosis Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to explain the disease state, appreciate the need for medications, and comprehend treatments. The patient will also be able to incorporate health regimen into lifestyle and demonstrate how to perform health-related procedures satisfactorily
Nursing Care Plan Powerlessness 3Prenatal Substance Abuse Nursing Diagnosis: Powerlessness related to uncertainty of fetal health secondary to prenatal substance abuse as evidenced by frequent inquiries on the status of the fetus and history of substance abuse Desired Outcome: For the mother to have regular prenatal care and obtain knowledge level needed for appropriate care of herself during pregnancy to develop a realistic birth plan, taking into account any high-risk pregnancy issues
Nursing Care Plan Powerlessness 4Advanced Cancer Powerlessness related to situational crisis of advanced metastatic cancer as evidenced by verbalization of feeling hopeless, disorganized thought process, crying, and refusal to continue cancer treatment Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to feel empowered about his/her cancer care and express desire to retain or improve quality of life.
Nursing Care Plan Powerlessness 5Multiple Sclerosis Nursing diagnosis: Powerlessness related to the nature of the disease and uncertain prognosis secondary to multiple sclerosis diagnosis as evidenced by verbalization of fear of poor quality of life in the future Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to identify problems associated with powerlessness and express appropriate feelings of guild, fear, anger, or sadness. The patient should also be able to seek help in dealing with problems associated with grief and plan for the future one day at a time
Nursing ReferencesAckley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2022). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2020). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Disclaimer:Please follow your facilities guidelines, policies, and procedures. The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. |