Contemporary Issues in Nursing Related

Review Contemporary Issues in Nursing related questions and content

A nurse who has practiced on an orthopedic unit for 10 years unexpectedly becomes pregnant. At delivery the physician informs the mother, "Your baby has Alport syndrome, but then I don't have to explain what that means with your medical background." The mother is unfamiliar with this disease and withdraws as a coping mechanism. Which nursing theory would provide a framework to guide nursing care for this mother?

  • A. Mishel's uncertainty of illness
  • B. Orem's self-care deficit model
  • C. Nightingale's canons of nursing
  • D. Levine's conservation model
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mishel's uncertainty of illness. This theory focuses on how individuals cope with uncertainty related to illness or health events. In this scenario, the mother is facing unexpected news about her baby's condition, causing her to withdraw as a coping mechanism due to the uncertainty she is experiencing. By utilizing Mishel's theory, nurses can provide support and guidance to help the mother navigate her feelings of uncertainty and develop coping strategies.

Choice B (Orem's self-care deficit model) is not the best fit as it primarily focuses on the individual's ability to perform self-care activities, which may not directly address the mother's emotional response to uncertainty. Choice C (Nightingale's canons of nursing) is more focused on the environmental factors impacting health and may not address the mother's coping needs. Choice D (Levine's conservation model) emphasizes maintaining stability and balance in the body systems, which may not directly address the mother's emotional needs in coping with uncertainty.