The nurse is discussing future treatments with a patient who has a terminal illness.The nurse notes that the patient has not been eating and responds to the nurse's information by stating,"What does it matter?" What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?

A) Social isolation.
B) Hopelessness.
C) Denial.
D) Powerlessness.

A defining characteristic for the nursing diagnosis of Powerlessness may include a statement by the patient such as "What does it matter?" when offered choices or information concerning him or her.The patient's behaviour and verbalization is not an example of social isolation.The patient is not avoiding others or being restricted from seeing others.Hopelessness is more reflective of the comment,"I have no future" than of "What does it matter?" The patient's behaviour and verbalization does not indicate denial.