Theoretical Foundations in Nursing

Vocabulary flashcards covering key nursing concepts from the provided notes.

Nursing

A service started in 1902; autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well, in all settings; beneficial to society.

Individuals

Highest level of clientele; the person receiving care.

Families

Level of clientele comprising family units; care that involves or includes family members.

Communities

Level of clientele focusing on groups within a geographic area or sharing common characteristics.

Population

Level of clientele representing the total group defined by area or shared traits.

Promotive

Focuses on maintaining and enhancing health through preventive measures.

Curative

Provides treatment and interventions to address and cure diseases or health conditions.

Rehabilitative

Aims to restore function and improve quality of life after illness or injury through therapies and support services.

Palliative/End-of-Life

Ensures comfort and dignity for individuals approaching the end of life; compassionate care during dying and post-death care.

Nursing Process (ADPIE)

Systematic, patient-centered approach used by nurses to ensure quality care; consists of Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.

Assessment

First step; collects comprehensive data about the patient’s health status (physical exams, medical history, interviews).

Diagnosis

Identifies actual or potential health problems based on assessment data; guides the care plan.

Planning

Creates detailed, measurable goals for health improvement; sets short-term and long-term goals and determines interventions.

Implementation

Carries out interventions in the care plan; direct care (e.g., medication, wound care) and indirect care (collaboration).

Evaluation

Final step; evaluates progress toward goals and adjusts the care plan as needed.

Ida Jean Orlando

Nursing Process Discipline Theory; emphasizes the nurse’s role in identifying and addressing patient needs through observation and interaction; foundational to the modern nursing process.

Nursing Theory

Group of interrelated concepts developed from studies and experiences; aims to view the essence of nursing care and to describe, explain, predict, and prescribe nursing care.

Metatheory/Philosophy

Broadest view of nursing; fundamental principles; shapes the overall approach and understanding.

Grand theories

Large, abstract theories that provide a general framework for nursing and guide practice and goals.

Middle-range theories

More focused theories dealing with specific aspects of nursing practice; provide practical guidance for particular care areas.

Practice theories

Detailed theories designed for specific situations or patient care; offer practical solutions for everyday nursing tasks.