Powerlessness and the patient under neuromuscular blockade.

: The patient under neuromuscular blockade is dependent on members of the interdisciplinary team for all physical and psychological needs. Loss of control leads to feelings of powerlessness and helplessness which can adversely affect the patient's ability to cope. The nurse caring for this patient must be able to effectively combine clinical expertise with compassion in order to most effectively help the patient cope with the period of powerlessness. An individualized approach to restore control helps curtail the progression of powerlessness to hopelessness and limit the associated depression and anxiety.