After an unplanned cesarean section, a mother expresses bewilderment, sadness, and feelings of failure. The nurse should conclude that she is experiencing which of the following?

After an unplanned cesarean section, a mother expresses bewilderment, sadness, and feelings of failure. The nurse should conclude that she is experiencing which of the following?

• A. Acute panic
• B. Mood disorder
• C. Psychosis
• D. Low self-esteem

Answer: (D)

Feeling bewildered, sad, and experiencing a sense of failure after an unplanned cesarean reflects a diminished view of one's own motherhood abilities. This is best understood as low self-esteem—the belief that one cannot meet personal or societal expectations of being a good mother. It focuses on self-appraisal and competence as a parent. Acute panic would involve intense fear, autonomic arousal, and rapid onset of anxiety symptoms, which aren’t described here. Psychosis would involve a break from reality, with delusions or hallucinations, which isn’t indicated. A mood disorder implies a broader, more persistent disturbance in mood that extends beyond this initial reaction. The nurse’s interpretation should acknowledge these feelings, provide reassurance, and support bonding and coping while monitoring for signs of more persistent mood disruption.

Feeling bewildered, sad, and experiencing a sense of failure after an unplanned cesarean reflects a diminished view of one's own motherhood abilities. This is best understood as low self-esteem—the belief that one cannot meet personal or societal expectations of being a good mother. It focuses on self-appraisal and competence as a parent.

Acute panic would involve intense fear, autonomic arousal, and rapid onset of anxiety symptoms, which aren’t described here. Psychosis would involve a break from reality, with delusions or hallucinations, which isn’t indicated. A mood disorder implies a broader, more persistent disturbance in mood that extends beyond this initial reaction. The nurse’s interpretation should acknowledge these feelings, provide reassurance, and support bonding and coping while monitoring for signs of more persistent mood disruption.