Objective.

To identify and analyze the concept of the powerlessness in individuals with stroke, according to the NANDA-I Taxonomy.

Methods.

Concept analysis from online access of four databases using the descriptors: impotence; helplessness, learned; Stroke, depression in languages: Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Results.

The critical attributes of the feeling of powerlessness are: fragility, helplessness, lack of control, and power to achieve the proposed results for recovery and adaptation. Eleven new antecedents were found. It is recommended to reformulate three antecedents present in the taxonomy. Fourteen consequent were found. It is suggested to amend three consequential from the review.

Conclusion.

With the analysis, a more complete concept of the powerlessness was elaborated allowing clarifying the critical attributes that, in turn, will help the rehabilitating nurse to recognize the signs and symptoms and to strengthen mechanisms of tolerance and resistance to stress.

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