Question

A client with dysthymia has a nursing diagnosis of self-esteem disturbance related to feelings of worthlessness. Which goal reflects an increase in the client's selfesteem? A. The client identifies two personal behaviors that alienate others. B. The client attends and participates in morning goal-setting activities. C. The client eats in the cafeteria with other clients from the unit. D. The client identifies one or two positive self-attributes.

Short answer

Answer: The goal that reflects an increase in the client's self-esteem is the client identifying one or two positive self-attributes.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option A

The client identifies two personal behaviors that alienate others. This option may contribute to self-awareness, but it does not directly reflect an increase in the client's self-esteem or decrease their feelings of worthlessness.

Evaluate Option B

The client attends and participates in morning goal-setting activities. This option suggests that the client is engaging in positive and constructive activities. However, it does not explicitly relate to their self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.

Evaluate Option C

The client eats in the cafeteria with other clients from the unit. This option implies that the client is making an effort to socialize with others, which can contribute to improving their self-esteem. However, it's not directly linked to their feelings of worthlessness.

Evaluate Option D

The client identifies one or two positive self-attributes. This option directly addresses the client's self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness by encouraging the recognition of positive qualities in themselves. Identifying and acknowledging personal strengths is an important step towards increasing self-esteem.

Choose the best option

Based on the analysis of each option, it can be concluded that the goal that reflects an increase in the client's self-esteem is option D. The client identifies one or two positive self-attributes, as it directly addresses their feelings of worthlessness and helps in improving their self-esteem.

Key concepts

Nursing Diagnosis

Nursing diagnosis is a vital component of a nurse's role in patient care. It involves identifying and labeling the health issues that a patient may have, which guides the subsequent care plan. For instance, in the case of a client with dysthymia and feelings of worthlessness, a nursing diagnosis might be "self-esteem disturbance." This process usually includes:

• Collecting and analyzing patient data
• Identifying health problems
• Drafting a list of nursing diagnoses

The diagnosis should be specific and relate directly to the client's health status. For the client mentioned, the nursing diagnosis helps healthcare professionals focus on effective interventions that can improve the client's self-esteem by addressing their feelings of worthlessness.

Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nursing is a specialized field within nursing that focuses on patients with mental health disorders. These nurses assess, diagnose, and treat patients with various psychiatric conditions. They also support patients emotionally, promoting mental and emotional well-being. Key responsibilities include:

• Building therapeutic relationships with patients
• Implementing care plans tailored to individual needs
• Monitoring and administering medications

Mental health nurses play an instrumental role in helping clients manage issues like dysthymia by developing trust and ensuring a supportive environment, crucial in fostering positive mental health outcomes.

Client Self-Esteem

Client self-esteem refers to how individuals perceive their overall worth or value, which is a crucial aspect of mental health therapy. A client with low self-esteem may feel inadequate or unworthy, necessitating therapeutic interventions aimed at boosting self-confidence. Techniques to improve self-esteem include:

• Encouraging positive self-affirmations
• Setting achievable goals
• Focusing on personal strengths and achievements

For example, helping a client with dysthymia recognize and acknowledge their positive attributes, as outlined in the original exercise, can significantly enhance their self-esteem and counteract feelings of worthlessness.

Dysthymia Treatment

Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a prolonged form of depression that impacts daily functioning. The treatment of dysthymia often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Treatment strategies typically include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to change negative thinking patterns
• Antidepressant medications to balance neurotransmitters
• Encouraging regular physical activity and healthy eating habits

The goal is to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life by providing tools to manage the condition effectively.

Exam Preparation

Preparing for exams like the NCLEX-PN is crucial for nursing students. This exam tests essential skills and knowledge needed to practice as a practical nurse safely and effectively. Steps for effective exam preparation include:

• Familiarizing yourself with the format and style of the exam questions
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses in medical and nursing knowledge
• Practicing with mock exams and timed tests

Creating a study schedule and utilizing diverse study resources such as practice tests and review books can help candidates pass the NCLEX-PN exam and advance their nursing careers.