Nursing Care Plan Based on Watson Theory - Essay Example

Nursing care plan based on Watson theory NURSING CARE PLAN BASED ON WATSON’S THEORY Jean Watsons Theory of Human Caring is one of the core nursing theories grounded in nursing practice. The theory puts emphasis on the humanistic aspect of nursing and gives meaning to nursing practice. The main role of the nurse is to establish a caring relationship with patients, treat patients as holistic beings, and display unconditional acceptance. The nurse should also promote health through knowledge and intervention, and spend uninterrupted time with patients (caring moments). The key concepts in Jean Watsons theory are the ten curative factors. I have tailored this nursing plan so that it delivers these factors as the desired outcomes. The formulation of a nursing care plan is the next stage after assessment of the client. The execution of the plan, by carrying out the specific actions in the pan, is the intervention. The nursing process would not be complete without an evaluation. The nursing practitioner guides the process by using a client-specific care plan, but the client is the focus of the process (Masters, 2009). Nursing care, according to Jean Watson’s theory, begins by assessment of the client. This involves making observations, identifying the problem, and reviewing it, in line with the conceptual framework. The patient and the nurse make contact and establish a helping-trust relationship guided by the attitude and competence of the nurse. There should be warmth, empathy, and congruence in the encounter in order to foster good communication (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2011). Therefore, the situation will allow expression of feelings, both positive and negative, to give a complete picture of the client to the care giver. Patient Behaviors The wife of Mr. Issler died two months ago. He has moved in with his ex-daughter-in-law. Mr. Issler feels more dependent and may not be assured on the continued presence of his ex-daughter-in-law. He has a son who is not present, implying a strained relationship. The environment he has moved in to is new and compounds the feeling of dependency. It is clear that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Issler, currently, would lead to anxiety and depression. This was the case when Mr. Issler journeyed by plane to his present sojourn. The exertion and the anxiety had taken their toll (Masters, 2009). Mr. Issler has Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). He also has hypothyroidism as inferred from the Synthroid he is taking. However, it is noteworthy that he does not know whether it is hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. He has a number of drugs including Synthroid, Lasix, Coumadin, and Metoprolol. These drugs treat or manage the aforementioned conditions. Mr. Issler has low oxygen saturation as indicated by his respiratory rate of 22, pulse oximetry of 88, and pallor. He has very low hematocrit level of 29.6 per cent, and low hemoglobin level of 10.4, and high blood pressure. These vital signs indicate an elevated level of risk for the patient, despite his existing conditions. Mr. Issler also has diaphoresis. Although it is a non-specific symptom, he exhibits the top causes, which are anxiety and hypothyroidism. Mr. Issler has a high BUN of 29 and a high Creatinine factor of 2.0. These two vital signs are indicative of renal insufficiency. He, however, has a typical INR, of 2.5, for someone taking Synthroid (Sitzman et al., 2011). Nursing Actions The primary concern is to deal with the renal insufficiency, and respiratory and cardiac status of the patient. Mr. Issler has impaired gaseous exchange. It is essential that he is in the emergency room and can be assisted to breathe if difficulties arise. In addition, the nurse should ensure that he is postured well and his room is properly ventilated. The nurse should exhibit caring behaviors that relieve tension to reduce the anxiety of Mr. Issler. These include spending some time talking to him on matters of interest to him, visiting him frequently to boost his sense of self-worth, and communicating to him on his condition (Masters, 2009). Mr. Issler has high blood pressure. This can increase the likelihood of renal failure and CHF. Relieving of stress may improve the blood pressure. However, the diagnosis indicates low hemoglobin and low red blood cells levels. The nurse should manage carefully fluid volume, since it is a key concern as evidenced by the renal function results. A combination of nutritional therapy and blood transfusion can bring the vital signs back to an acceptable level. However, this will be supervised by a physician. Caring in the Nursing Process Mr. Issler lives with his ex-daughter-in-law. The nurse should involve her in planning for the care of the patient. She was present in the emergency room and will likely be frequent visitor. The nurse has suggested to her that she visits for an hour and a half after work. This will ensure that she has the information about Mr. Isslers health, and they form a caring bond. Furthermore, Mr. Issler takes medication that requires a special diet. The ex-daughter-in-law can take in advice on the diet that is best for Mr. Issler. Mr. Issler takes a lot of medication. The nurse will help him manage these medications. Coumain, for example, is contra-indicated for high blood pressure. Furthermore, the dosage should be precise for all the drugs the patient is taking. The wrong dosage may bring side effects similar to the symptoms the patient is experiencing currently (Sitzman et al., 2011). The care giver should give the patient medicine on time and encourage the patient to be taking the medicine well. When the nurse help fulfill the lower level needs of the patient, the patient will take more interest in himself. The nurse should help Mr. Issler find belonging in the new environment by finding a seniors meeting point in the area. The ex-daughter-in-law should also be engaged to assure the patient of her continued presence. Outcomes The patient’s sense of self-worth should increase. He should become more aware of his condition and be actively involved in the process. His levels of anxiety should decrease and he should have hope in the future. The medication used by the patient should be taken in a controlled manner. The result of the caring process is a complete improvement of the patient in all areas of his life. This is holistic healthcare. Conclusions The nursing care plan has focused on improving the quality of life of Mr. Issler and relieving his anxiety. The process involves all the stakeholders and is focused on helping him meet all his needs. The Ten curative factors guide the process. References Masters, K. (2009). Role development in professional nursing practice. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Pub. Sitzman, K., & Eichelberger, L. W. (2011). Understanding the work of nurse theorists: A creative beginning. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Read More