Introduction for Nursing Diagnosis
Nursing diagnosis is one of the ways nurses assess and respond to a patient's health needs. The NANDA-International (NANDA-I) Nursing Diagnoses provide a way to determine individual health characteristics, responses, and risks based on specific symptoms. The Nursing Diagnoses categorize health problems into classes which help set the focus of nursing interventions within the medical team. Here we look at Risk of Low Situational Self-Esteem, a diagnosis part of the NANDA-I system.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Risk of Low Situational Self-esteem is the state in which an individual has an impaired feeling of self-worth and undesirability in relation to a particular situation.
Defining Characteristics (Subjective and Objective)
Subjectives
- Verbalization of feelings such as worthlessness and unacceptability
- Thoughts of being less valuable than the other persons involved
Objectives
- Gait of diminished or absent energy
- Facial expression of sadness, depression, or despair
- Verbal responses of hesitancy, withdrawal, or self-doubt
The factors affecting the development of this nursing diagnosis include:
- Inadequate problem-solving skills
- Cultural, religious, or racial prejudice against self
- Lack of positive reinforcement and support for accomplishments
- Exposure to critical or demeaning attitudes
Risk Population
Individuals who are especially vulnerable to low situational self-esteem include those who:
- Lack self-awareness of strengths, weaknesses, and limitations
- Confuse self-value with external measures of success, such as grades and job status
- Are prone to all-or-nothing thinking patterns
Associated Problems
The associated problems that can negatively affect a person's self-esteem include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-confidence
- Difficulties with interpersonal relationships
Suggestions for Use
A Risk of Low Situational Self-esteem diagnosis can be used when there is evidence that an individual’s self-worth is impeded by a particular situation. Nursing strategies should focus on helping to increase a person’s self-awareness and self-assurance when facing unique circumstances.
Suggested Alternatives Nanda Nursing Diagnoses
Some similar or related diagnoses that could be considered with Risk of Low Situational Self-esteem include:
- Ineffective Coping
- Impaired Social Interaction
- Risk for Other-Directed Violence
- Powerlessness
Usage Tips
When diagnosing a Risk of Low Situational Self-esteem, it is important to:
- Observe client’s verbal, physical, and emotional behavior
- Include client input and observations from their family or support system
- Teach strategies to foster healthy self-esteem
NOC Results
This diagnosis can result in various NOC results which include:
- Interpersonal Relationships: Demonstrates improved interactions with others
- Self-concept: Expresses positive view of self
- Self-esteem: Reports enhanced feelings of self-worth
NIC Interventions
NIC interventions for Low Situational Self-Esteem can include:
- Discharge Planning: Develop appropriate discharge plans
- Self-Esteem Enhancement: Enhance, protect, and restore self-esteem using therapeutic techniques
- Social Support: Interact and communicate with the patient to facilitate building of social support systems
Conclusion and FAQ
Risk of Low Situational Self-esteem is a diagnosis that can greatly impede an individual’s wellbeing. As nurses, it is important to understand what causes this diagnosis, as well as how to recognize, treat and prevent it. If you have any questions regarding this nursing diagnosis or any other, please contact us.
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