Ms. Linda is a 12year old who was diagnosed with Asthma 2 years ago. She is expected to carry her inhaler to school as she experiences 2-3 asthma attacks every week. In addition, she is required to be cautious about the environment she chooses to play in as it should be an environment without allergens like dust and other pollutants from plants and people. In addition to all this, she has an appointment with her physician every month.
The first perspective of Roy’s adaptation model is the physiologic mode. The perspective gives a list of 5 things viewed as basic needs (Masters, 2011). Ms. Linda has impaired oxygenation as she experiences frequent asthmatic attacks that obstruct the upper respiratory tract. Ms. Linda also cannot participate in all childhood activities required of her. In addition, she is unable to rest adequately especially when asthmatic attacks occur at night. A question that a nurse attending to Linda may ask herself in relation to Roy’s perspective of the physiologic need includes is; does the condition of asthma impair Linda’s oxygenation?
The second perspective is the self-concept (Connell, 2013). Ms. Linda has a poor body sensation; she often wonders why her body keeps reacting to allergens. She also has a poor concept of self and she prefers that her friends do not know that she is asthmatic. She keeps telling her mother that it is unfair that she cannot go out to play in the field because of pollen that may trigger an attack. She complains that her illness makes her less of a person.
The role function focuses on what is expected of the person as a member of the society and if their condition interferes with this role (Roy, 2009 & Phillips, 2010). Does the condition affect Linda’s classes or her role as a student? Is Linda able to interact well with her peers? Does Linda tolerate activities that other children her age are able to tolerate or does the condition make her dull and antisocial?
The interdependence model focuses on the interaction that is related to giving and receiving from others (Roy, 2009 & Phillips, 2010). Does the condition affect the relationship between Linda and her parents? Has Linda become over-dependent on people because of the condition? Is Linda able to meet her self-care needs or does she rely on someone else to do them for her?
The Calister Roy adaptation model fits well since the model allowed me to look at the patient as a whole individual and not just the physiological mode. It helped me identify other problems related to the condition and by that the nursing care I would give would be adequate. The mode gives me a broader view of the clinical problem and it also gives me an idea of what to look at when taking the history of a patient.
The assignment made the model more practical as it required the use of a hypothetical person. Thus, when faced with the same situation in the hospitals or clinics, I will be in a better position to handle it than I was before this assignment. The model also gives a clear definition of health and nursing. This aids in the management as the nurse is aware of what is expected of her in caring for her patients.
In summary, assuming the different theoretical perspectives were not as simple; it required a lot of work. The end result on the other hand was positive; the patient was able to be assessed in all areas. This ensures that the patient receives nursing care that is holistic.
References
Connell, W.F. (2013). The Roy Adaptation Model. Web.
Masters, K. (2011). Nursing theories: A Framework for Professional Studies. Burlington, MA: Jones & Barlett Learning.
Phillips, K.D. (2010) Sister Callista Roy: Adaptation Model. In A. M. Torney & M. R. Alligoods (Eds) Nursing Theorists and their Work (7th ed., pp 335-365). Maryland heights, MO: Mosby.
Roy, Sr. C., (2009). The Roy Adaptation Model (3rd ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.