When a patient lacks control over a current/particular condition or imminent events, this is referred to as powerlessness. During a particular situation when a patient used to be in control may not be able to control the situation due to the healthcare condition.
Patients who feel powerless may appear to have little influence over their condition and may act out with lethargy, rage, violent behavior, or inactivity.
Older patients are especially vulnerable to the loss of control and progressive dependency that comes with ageing, as well as the consequences of weakening, sickness, and affliction.
Powerlessness can be seen at any point, when the patient is not well it can be seen in an ambulance while taking him to the hospital, or at the hospital, when treating, or at a rehabilitation centre.
What are nursing care plans, and what do they require? What is the best way to create a nursing care plan? Which nursing care plan book would you suggest for developing a nursing care plan?
This care plan is provided to show how a Nurse (LPN or RN) may treat a patient with such problems.
Powerlessness Nursing Assessment Care Plan
What may have led anyone to be a victim of powerlessness. Hence these following assessments are required In order to uncover potential conditions that may have led to powerlessness.
| Assessment | Rationales |
| Check the patient’s ability to make decisions. | Powerlessness is the feeling when one has lost control over one’s own interests. |
| Be aware of situations or interactions that may contribute to the patient’s feeling of powerlessness. | Nurses should recognise the patients declining to certain procedures. Patients are subjected to some routines without their agreement, creating a sensation of powerlessness. |
| You’ll need to determine the patient’s power requirements or control requirements. | Patients are frequently able to identify the self-governance viewpoints that they miss the most and that are meaningful to them. |
| Examine for feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and indifference. | These feelings could be a result of a sense of powerlessness. |
| Evaluate the effects of the patient’s powerlessness on his or her physical state. (e.g., appearance, oral intake, hygiene, sleep habits). | Individuals may feel powerless to develop fundamental areas of life and self-care practices. |
| Assess the impact of the information provided on the patient’s emotions and behaviour. | When a patient feels helpless, he or she may disregard facts. Too much info might overburden a patient and make them feel helpless. |
| If the patient expresses a need for knowledge about the ailment, treatment plan, or treatments, take note of it. | This incident report will assist the nurse in distinguishing between powerlessness and a knowledge gap. |
Read More – Nursing Therapeutic Communication Techniques
Nursing Interventions for People Who are Powerless
The therapeutic nursing approaches for Powerlessness are as follows. How a nurse can help his or her patients to overcome the powerlessness issue, and to start a new life.
| Interventions | Rationales |
| A nurse should encourage the patient to see his or her own strengths. | This will assist the patient in recognising his or her own inner strengths. |
| Assist the patient in rethinking their bad perceptions of the event. | It’s possible that the patient has unrealistic expectations regarding the scenario. |
| Talk with the patient about his or her treatment options. | It will strengthen the patient’s sense of freedom or autonomy if the patient is allowed to engage in discussions. |
| The patient should be able to regulate his or her surroundings. | As a result, the patient’s level of independence increases. |
| Assist in the preparation and creation of a timetable for future increased responsibilities. | The use of realistic short-term goals for resuming areas of self-care promotes self-confidence. |
| Allow appropriate preparation for exams or processes to eliminate the uncertainty of events. | Knowing what to expect before a procedure might give the patient a sense of control. |
| Help patients in evaluating the importance of culture, gender, race, age, religion on his or her feelings of powerlessness. | Patients may feel powerless in a hospital setting, especially if they don’t understand the majority language, the food is unfamiliar, and the routines are strange. |
| Give positive feedback to patients who make good decisions and take care of themselves. | Success develops self-assurance and a sense of control. Self-care recognition and positive reinforcement are powerful motivators for boosting self-esteem and emotions of self-control. |
Please note: These treatment options are provided solely for educational and example purposes, and some of these therapies may alter over time. This treatment plan should not be followed when treating a patient.
