Powerlessness

Question 1

What is powerlessness?

Answer 1

When you feel like you have no power and strength, no control.

Example: we dont have control over the education system.

Question 2

Is powerlessness as a nursing diagnosis

Answer 2

yes

Question 3

name 5 signs and symptoms we may see in a patient who is experiencing powerlessness

Answer 3

1) anxiety
2) withdrawal
3) apathetic
4) limited knowledge of illness
5) restlessness
6) insomnia
7) lack of decision-making

Question 4

what are the 3 categories of objective and subjective behaviours of powerlessness

Answer 4

capacity to perform behavior
perception of decision-making capacity
emotional response to control situation

Question 5

explain subjective and objective capacity to perform behavior

Answer 5

symptom= expressing uncertainty (nothing I do can change the situation)

sign= does not participate in care lack of eye contact, doesnt seek information

Question 6

explain perception of decision-making capacity

Answer 6

symptom= im not capable of making decisions, no one listens to me

sign= does not participate in decision-making when asked, asks no question

Question 7

explain emotional response to control situation

Answer 7

symptom= depression over physical deterioration

sign= anger, crying, aggression

Question 8

name the categories of powerlessness

Answer 8

lack of social and personal resources
institutional environment and staff
altered state of wellness

Question 9

explain the institutional environment and staff causes

Answer 9

• stripping of personal belongings
• excessive surveillance
• lack of privacy
• alteration of schedule
• hospital rules
• unsupportive or overly busy staff
• overall lack of knowledge related to tests and routines

Question 10

explain the lack of social and/or personal resources causes

Answer 10

• Separation from significant others
• Inability to use personal resources

Question 11

explain altered state of wellness causes

Answer 11

• acute or chronic illness
• fatigue
• incontinence
• no diagnosis or poor diagnosis

Question 12

Is there a link between powerlessness and health outcome

Answer 12

• powerlessness is a risk factor for disease
• the more powerless clients feel, the poorer the health outcomes
• when people are empowered, they have self-efficacy, awareness, knowledge and competency to take proactive actions to reach health promotion goals.

Question 13

identify some personal power resources

Answer 13

1) physical strength and reserve
2) psychological stamina and support network
3) positive self-concept
4) energy
5) knowledge
6) motivation
7) belief system -> personal opinion should stay at the door.

Question 14

describe some interventions for enhancing a client’s sense of power

Answer 14

1) self-esteem enhancement= choosing activities that will increase self-esteem is important to prevent further depression and inactivity

2) self- responsibility facilitation= encourage a patient to assume more responsibility for their health and behavior

3) mutual goal setting= collaborating with a pt to identify and prioritize care goals and setting realistic goals that can be a team in a realistic time frame.

4) decision-making support= providing information and support to a pt who is making a decision or making health care

5) spiritual growth facilitation= facilitating growth in the pt capacity to identify and find meaning in his or her life.