An 11-year-old boy stays home from school to care for his siblings while his mother works, because the family cannot afford a babysitter. During the community mental health nurse's visit, he reveals that he thinks his father does not like him because he calls him 'stupid' all the time. He states he is too dumb to learn much and has no friends at school because he does not deserve them. Which nursing diagnosis should be the priority for the child?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic low self-esteem. This diagnosis is appropriate because the child displays a negative self-concept, feeling unworthy, lacking confidence, and believing he is "stupid" and undeserving of friends. This impacts his self-worth and psychological well-being. Chronic low self-esteem is the priority to address as it affects various aspects of his life.
Choice A: Helplessness may seem relevant due to the family situation, but the child's core issue is more about self-worth than feeling helpless in his situation.
Choice B: Knowledge deficit is not the priority as the child's issue lies more in his emotional well-being rather than lack of information.
Choice C: Ineffective coping might be a concern, but the root of his struggles is his self-esteem, making chronic low self-esteem the primary focus.