The Theory that involves care and helps through which the client attains total self-care is

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

Orem's theory is fundamentally centered on the concept of self-care, which is an individual's ability to perform activities to maintain their own life, health, and well-being.
The theory posits that a need for nursing arises when a 'self-care deficit' occurs—that is, when the patient's ability to perform self-care (self-care agency) is less than the self-care they need (therapeutic self-care demand).
The ultimate goal of nursing under this model is to help the client overcome this deficit and achieve total, independent self-care, making it the correct answer for the question.

Option A: Nightingale's theory focuses on the external environment (e.g., sanitation, air, light) as the primary influence on a patient's health and recovery, not on the patient's own actions or ability to perform self-care.
Option C: Peplau's theory is centered on the therapeutic interpersonal relationship between the nurse and the patient. Its focus is on communication and the phases of the nurse-patient relationship.
Option D: Roy's Adaptation Model views the person as an adaptive system. The goal of nursing is to help the person adapt to stressors and changes in their physiological, self-concept, role function, and interdependence domains.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Nursing Theories and Models to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses frequently apply Orem's theory in settings like rehabilitation, home health, and chronic disease management to create care plans that empower patients and foster independence.
A practical example is teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic patient how to self-administer insulin, monitor blood glucose, and manage their diet. This is an application of the supportive-educative nursing system.
What if? If the patient were unconscious and on a ventilator, the nurse would apply a 'wholly compensatory' nursing system. In this case, the patient has no self-care agency, so the nurse must perform all life-sustaining care activities for them.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem. The key phrase here is 'attains total self-care'.
Next, recall the central theme of the major nursing theories provided in the options.
Match the key concept ('self-care') to the theorist most associated with it. Dorothea Orem's theory is explicitly named the 'Self-Care Deficit Theory', making it the most likely answer.
Briefly analyze the other options to confirm they are a poor fit. Nightingale is linked to the environment, Peplau to relationships, and Roy to adaptation. None of these directly focus on the patient performing their own care.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 1055-1057

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 66-68