Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Individual and Family Homeostasis, Stress, and Adaptation Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Individual and Family Homeostasis, Stress, and Adaptation related questions and content

What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?

  • A. Self-esteem disturbance related to late diagnosis
  • B. Ineffective individual coping related to reluctance to seek care
  • C. Altered family process related to inability to obtain treatment
  • D. Ineffective denial related to reluctance to seek care
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ineffective individual coping is the inability to assess our own stressors and then make choices to access appropriate resources. In this case, the patient was unable to access health care even when she was aware the disorder could be life-threatening. Self-esteem Disturbance, Altered Family Process, and Ineffective Denial are all nursing diagnoses that are often associated with breast cancer, but the patients ineffective individual coping has created a significant safety risk and is, therefore, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis.