powerlessness

powerlessness [pow´er-les-nes″]

a nursing diagnosis accepted by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as the perception that one's own action will not significantly affect an outcome; a perceived lack of control over a current situation or immediate happening. Factors leading to this feeling may include the patient's usual pattern of dealing with stress and conflict (such as dependence on others for decision-making), a lifelong sense of helplessness, an inability to use resources, and a lack of personal resources. The environment in which health care is provided can influence the recipient's perception of personal control. Institutional rules and regulations, autocratic caregivers, and social isolation can increase one's sense of powerlessness. Finally, inability to communicate because of a neurologic disorder, inability to care for oneself, and progressive debilitating disease in spite of compliance with prescribed regimen can contribute to a feeling that one has no control over what is happening.

risk for powerlessness a nursing diagnosis accepted by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as being at risk for perceived lack of control over a situation and/or one's ability to significantly affect an outcome.