Dorothea Orem developed the Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory in 1971.
The central theme is that self-care is a human need, and a deficit in this ability requires nursing action.
The theory is composed of three parts: the theory of self-care, the theory of self-care deficit, and the theory of nursing systems.
It explains that nursing is required when a patient is unable to fulfill their own self-care needs due to a lack of ability, knowledge, or will.
Nurses use this theory to design interventions that provide or manage self-care actions to help patients recover from illness or injury and sustain health.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: Hildegard Peplau's contribution is the Theory of Interpersonal Relations (1952), not the Self-Care Deficit Theory.
Option B: Virginia Henderson is known for her Need Theory (1955) and her definition of nursing.
Option D: Dorothy Johnson developed the Behavioral System Model.
Related Visual
Visual 1: Flowchart - Illustrating Orem's Theory. The chart would show how an imbalance between self-care demands and self-care agency creates a self-care deficit, which then leads to the need for one of the three nursing systems (Wholly Compensatory, Partly Compensatory, or Supportive-Educative).
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: Knowing Nursing Theories and Theorists helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses use Orem's theory daily to assess a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and to determine the level of nursing assistance required.
This theory empowers patients by focusing on promoting their independence and involving them in their own care plan, which can lead to better health outcomes and faster recovery.
It provides a clear framework for patient education, as the nurse identifies knowledge gaps and teaches the patient and family the skills needed for self-care.
How to Approach the Question
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of major nursing theories and their originators.
First, identify the key concept in the question stem, which is the 'Self-care deficit theory'.
Next, scan the options, which are all names of prominent nursing theorists.
Mentally associate each theorist with their primary theory: Peplau (Interpersonal Relations), Henderson (14 Basic Needs), Orem (Self-Care Deficit), and Johnson (Behavioral System).
Match the theory from the question ('Self-care deficit') with the correct theorist (Orem).
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Nursing Theories and Theorists
Stem keywords: Self-care deficit theory
Lead-in keywords: given by
Question ID
QO9CEmxp-PwruFCXfOW44N
Practise the full NORCET 1 - 2020
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.