MSN FNP Discussion Rubric 1 Criteria Does Not Meet 0 Approac

Msn Fnp Discussion Rubric1criteria Does Not Meet 0 Approaches 60

Describe Sandra’s feelings about dependency and loss of autonomy because she is unable to do her own activities of daily living any longer.

Paper For Above instruction

The emotional landscape of patients facing terminal illness is profoundly complex, especially concerning feelings of dependency and loss of autonomy. Sandra’s case exemplifies these challenges vividly, as her disease progression has rendered her unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), prompting feelings of vulnerability and frustration. Her sense of dependency likely engenders a spectrum of emotional responses, including sadness, fear, and a diminished sense of control, which are common in individuals experiencing terminal health decline (McCorkle et al., 2015).

For Sandra, the transition from independence to reliance on others for basic needs encompasses significant psychological implications. She might feel a loss of identity rooted in her previous self-sufficiency, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and decreased self-esteem (Wong et al., 2017). Such feelings are often compounded by concerns about being a burden on her family, especially during her last days, fostering anxiety and potentially depression (Theysey et al., 2018). This emotional response is natural; the threat to autonomy disrupts core aspects of personal identity and perceived control over one’s life course.

Understanding Sandra’s feelings requires recognition of the human desire for independence and dignity, particularly in the context of terminal illness. The loss of autonomous functioning can evoke feelings of grief, mourning one’s previous independence while confronting inevitable mortality (Kissane et al., 2020).

From a psychological perspective, the experience of dependency might be perceived as a loss of self-efficacy, essential to personal well-being. Patients often grapple with the perception that their autonomy defines their personhood; thus, its diminishment can lead to existential distress (Balboni et al., 2016). For Sandra, her acceptance of hospice and her decision to set up her home reflect an adaptive effort to maintain some control and dignity in her environment, illustrating resilience despite emotional upheaval.

Clinically, supporting Sandra to process these feelings involves empathetic communication and therapeutic interventions aimed at affirming her worth and reinforcing her perceived value beyond her physical capabilities. Allowing her to express her fears about dependency and listening actively can mitigate feelings of helplessness (Hui et al., 2014). Interventions such as dignity therapy, which focus on life review and affirming personal legacy, can help preserve her sense of autonomy even as her physical independence diminishes (Chochinov et al., 2015).

In conclusion, Sandra’s feelings about dependency and loss of autonomy are rooted in deep psychological needs for control, dignity, and self-worth. Addressing these concerns holistically through compassionate communication, supportive interventions, and opportunities for meaningful engagement can significantly improve her emotional well-being during this challenging phase of life.

References

• Balboni, T. A., Balboni, M., & Vanderwerker, L. C. (2016). The meaning of suffering at the end of life. Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, 51(1), 26-32.
• Chochinov, H. M., Hack, T., McClement, S., Kristjanson, L., Harlos, M., & Clayton, J. (2015). Dignity Therapy: A case series. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 18(7), 657-662.
• Hui, D., Yeo, W., & Liem, S. (2014). Optimal end-of-life care: The importance of communication. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 32(3), 211-215.
• Kissane, D. W., Bloch, S., McCorkle, R., et al. (2020). The psychological impact of terminal illness. Psycho-Oncology, 29(2), 321-329.
• McCorkle, R., Buckwalter, K. C., & Ersek, M. (2015). Application of theories of control: The purpose of life review and legacy work. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 18(10), 845-849.
• Theysey, B. E., Wang, P., & Ritchie, C. S. (2018). End-of-life care: The patient experience and psychological aspects. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 20(4), 346-352.
• Wong, Y. Y., Kwan, E., & Leung, C. (2017). Psychological issues and coping strategies among terminal cancer patients. Psycho-Oncology, 26(10), 1504-1510.