NURSING DIAGNOSIS: POWERLESSNESS RELATED TO PERCEIVED INABILITY TO CONTROL OUTCOMES

OF LABOR.

SUBJECTIVE: The patient expressed frustration, helplessness, about the birth outcomes. Anxiety and
worry about recovery and infant care.

OBJECTIVE: The patient shows a flat affect or signs of emotional distress, hesitation or reluctance in
postpartum care routines ,and dependence on others for decision making.

PLAN/GOAL

SHORT TERM:

1. Within 12 hrs of nursing intervention, the patient will express feelings of reduced anxiety, concerns,
and increased confidence regarding her labor and postpartum experience.

2. Within 48hrs of nursing intervention, the patient will demonstrate an understanding of the factors
affecting her labor outcome.

3. Within 72 hrs of nursing intervention, patient will report reduced feelings of powerlessness and
improved emotional well being.

LONG TERM:

1. With in by the time of discharge of within 1-2 weeks of nursing intervention, the patient will
demonstrate increased confidence in her ability to care for herself and her newborn

2. Patient will develop effective coping strategies to manage feelings of powerlessness or frustration
related to her labor experience within 2-4 weeks

3. With in 4-6 weeks, the patient will report a sense of control and empowerment in her decision making
processes

4. The patient will seek additional support or counseling if feelings of powerlessness persist or lead to
depression or anxiety with 6-8 weeks postpartum

NURSING INTERVENTION

INDEPENDENT:

1. Encourage the patient to talk about her labor experience and any feelings of frustration,
disappointment, or loss of control.

RATIO: Verbalizing feelings helps release emotional tension and fosters a therapeutic relationship where
the patient feels heard and supported
2. Offer information on factors that influenced the labor and delivery outcome (medical interventions,
complications) and clarify any misconceptions.

RATIO:Education can help the patient understand that certain outcomes were beyond her control,
reducing feelings of guilt or failure.

xxxx3. Encourage the patient to participate in her own care and infant care, such as breastfeeding,
diapering, or choosing her recovery plan.

RATIO: Involving the patient in decision making restores a sense of control and empowers her to take an
active role in her recovery and parenting.

4. Teach Relaxation Technique, Introduce simple techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or
progressive muscle relaxation to help manage anxiety or feelings of helplessness.

RATIO: Relaxation techniques provide a sense of control over the body and emotions, helping to reduce
stress and improve emotional well being.

DEPENDENT

1. Administer prescribed medications by the physician such as pain relief, anti anxiety medications or
antidepressant, if indicated.

RATIO: Pain management and anxiety reduction can help improve the patient’s emotional state,
reducing feelings of helplessness and allowing for more participation in self care and infant care.

2. Provide information about available support services, inform the patient about available resources
such as childbirth classes, support groups and counseling services.

RATIO: Knowledge of available support can empower the patient and enhance the coping strategies.

COLLABORATIVE

1. Collaborate with a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor) to assess and
provide interventions for postpartum depression or anxiety if the patient’s feelings of powerlessness
persist.

RATIO: The patient can process her birth experience, build coping mechanisms, and lessen her feelings
of helplessness with the aid of emotional support and therapy

[Link] with a lactation consultant to assist the patient with breastfeeding concerns and provide
education or interventions if she is struggling.

RATIO: Difficulties with breastfeeding can increase feelings of helplessness. Under the expert’s guidance,
the patient gains confidence and self assurance in feeding her infant.
3. Develop a Comprehensive Postpartum Care Plan, with the help of an interdisciplinary team consisting
doctors, nurses, and social workers, making sure the patient’s needs and preferences are taken into
account.

RATIO: A holistic care plan that integrates physical, emotional, and psychological needs helps the patient
regain a sense of control over her recovery and care.

4. Establish A family centered care strategy, work together with patient’s family, the medical staff, and
social workers to honor the patient’s wishes and involve the family care process

RATIO: A family centered approach can provide emotional support and reassurance, helping the patient
feel empowered and less overwhelmed.

5. Coordinate Follow up Appointments, work with the healthcare provider to ensure appropriate follow
up visits are scheduled for physical and emotional health, and communicate the patient’s concerns and
emotional state to ensure a comprehensive approach.

RATIO: Regular follow up allows ongoing assessment of the patient’s emotional well being and provides
opportunities to address lingering feelings of powerlessness.

EVALUATION

SHORT TERM

GOAL MET

1. Patient openly discusses her emotions, verbalizes concerns about the labor process, and
expresses relief after sharing.
2. Patient acknowledges uncontrollable aspects of labor and expresses a better understanding of
why they occured.
3. Patient reports feeling in more control, expresses positive emotions, and shows improved mood
and self confidence in caring for herself and her infant.

LONG TERM

GOAL MET

1. The patient’s confidence in taking care of her infant and herself has significantly improved and
successfully demonstrated increased of confidence in her ability to care of herself and her newborn,
indicating that the nursing intervention has been effective

2. The patient has successfully developed effective coping strategies to manage her feelings of
powerlessness, indicating that the nursing interventions and support provided have been effective.

3. The patient has successfully sought additional support and counseling, indicating a positive response
to her feelings of powerlessness and a commitment to her emotional well being.
PARTIALLY MET

4.. The patient has developed a greater sense of control and empowerment in many areas of her
decision making. However, she still seeks support for more complex decisions indicating that further
work may be needed to fully achieve this goal.