A client diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome asks the nurse, 'Why should I even bother trying to control my diet and the edema? It doesn't really matter what I do if I can never get rid of this kidney problem, anyway!' Which should the nurse identify as the most appropriate concern for this client?

Powerlessness is present when the client believes that personal actions will not affect an outcome in any significant way. Because nephrotic syndrome is progressive, the client may feel that personal actions may not affect the disease process. Anxiety is appropriate when the client has a feeling of unease with a vague or undefined source. Difficulty coping occurs when the client has impaired adaptive abilities or behaviors with regard to meeting expected demands or roles. Negative self-image is when there is an alteration in the way that the client perceives his or her body image.