has feelings of powerlessness: “This is the hand I was
dealt. There really isn’t much I can do to change
things.” This may interfere with Stella’s self-efficacy to
incorporate SMBG into her daily routine. She will
have to learn the necessary relationship between the
types of food she chooses to eat and her blood sugar
levels. In addition, her weight-loss success will be
influenced by her diet. She has assumed her deceased
father’s role as head of the household and is the primary
caregiver for her elderly, chronically ill mother.
The family caregiving experience is shaped by race
and ethnicity as these two factors influence one’s life
experiences in terms of socioeconomic status, education,
marital status, living arrangements, and general
lifestyle (Lubkin & Larsen, 2006). Stella is not coping
well with the changes in her home and physical
health. Her mother has become increasingly more
dependent on her and Stella’s physical health has
deteriorated and she has developed symptoms related
to complications of type 2 diabetes. Adapting successfully
to chronic illness includes the conviction that a
meaningful quality of life is worth the struggle.
Nursing diagnosis: Powerlessness.