Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Settings and Models for Nursing Care Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Settings and Models for Nursing Care related questions and content

Which of the following describes the role of the nurse as defined by Florence Nightingale?

  • A. Helping people to carry out activities that contribute to health and recovery
  • B. Putting clients in the best condition for nature to act upon them
  • C. Diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems
  • D. Promoting a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Florence Nightingale (1859) described the role of the nurse as putting 'the patient in the best condition for nature to act upon him.' Virginia Henderson envisioned the nurse's role as helping people (sick or well) to carry out activities that contribute to health, recovery, or a peaceful death. The American Nurses Association (ANA) traditionally defined nursing as 'the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems.' In response to an increased emphasis on the science of care, the ANA now acknowledges 'promotion of a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing' as one of the four essential features of contemporary nursing practice.