NR_351 Week 7 Discussion, Application of Nursing Theory to Practice

Application of Nursing Theory to Practice (graded) You are a professional nurse caring for Mr. R, a 58-year-old patient who recently underwent surgery for colon cancer resulting in a temporary colostomy. Select one of the assigned or unassigned nursing theories from our textbook and address the following: • Basic content and terminology of the theory or model you select, and • How you would provide professional nursing care for Mr. R. using that theory. Be sure to use terminology from the selected nursing theory to explain your interventions. As stated in Lesson 7 “Theories allow nurses to see relationships among parts of a situation and to guide solutions to issues that arise in a given situation allowing the nurse to provide holistic nursing care for the patient and families rather than task driven care.” There are more than just the four theories that we read about this week. According to Orem’s self-care deficit theory, the purpose of nursing is to help people meet their self-care needs (Hood, 2013, p. 137). In Mr.R’s case he has just experienced a major life change, although the colostomy is temporary, he will need to learn to care for it and the self-image issues that may arise from it. There are five key concepts covered in this theory (Hood, 2013, p. 136). 1. Self-care: These behaviors are learned as a person grows and matures. These are activities of daily living to maintain life, health and comfort. A person’s family traditions, culture and society play a large role in this. The Nurse assesses Mr.R’s ability to perform ADL’s before the surgery. Does Mr. R live alone, at home or at a facility? Who and what makes up his support system for self-care. 2. Self-care deficit: When an individual is unable to perform self-care behaviors for healthy functioning. This may be related to age, developmental state, or a change in an individual’s health status (Hood, 2013, p. 136). This is when nursing steps in. Nurses assist Mr. R post-operatively in the care of the ostomy and self. 3. Self-care requisites: Needs that are universal or associated with development of or deviation from health (Hood, 2013, p.136). The nursing team assess the physiological effect of the ostomy to Mr. R and assists Mr. R with learning about the ostomy and its care. 4. Self-care demand: Therapeutic actions to meet needs (Hood, 2013, p.136). The Nurse collaborates with other departments, such as, doctor, physical therapy, case management, social services, and dietician to promote human growth and development for Mr.R. While collaborating with other departments and Mr. R. goals are set for discharge to home. 5. Agency: Capability to engage in self-care. The nurse assesses Mr. R’s level of understanding, ability and willingness to care for the ostomy. Hood, Lucy. (09/2013). Leddy & Pepper's Conceptual Bases of Professional Nursing, 8th Edition