What is self-concept in nursing practice?

Self-concept refers to how individuals perceive themselves, incorporating thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about one’s identity and worth. In nursing practice, understanding a patient's self-concept is crucial because it impacts their mental health, self-esteem, and motivation for self-care. A positive self-concept can lead to better health outcomes, while a negative self-concept may result in lack of adherence to treatment plans or increased feelings of depression or anxiety.

While other options present valuable aspects related to health and patient care, they do not encapsulate the essence of self-concept. The totality of a person's health status focuses more on their physical and mental health aspects rather than their self-perception. A set of clinical skills required for patient care pertains specifically to the abilities and techniques nurses use to provide care, and does not address how individuals view themselves. Similarly, an assessment tool for measuring physical health refers to specific instruments used in health evaluation, which again does not capture the broader psychological aspect of self-concept. Understanding self-concept is vital for nurses as it aids in providing holistic and patient-centered care.