The first stage in Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory is orientation, where the patient has identified an issue and comes to the health provider to ask for assistance. Then, they and the nurse work together to identify the problem, which forms the initial basis for their relationship. At this stage, the nurse’s role is to provide as much assistance as possible without getting frustrated, as the process can take a substantial amount of time.
The second phase is identification, in which the problem has been specified, and the patient learns about it. As Knecht (2020) notes, the role of the nurse is to provide the necessary help, to which the patient will respond as they understand the situation they are in. As such, they should try to explain the situation as best possible and convey to the patient the potential consequences of their situation and their urgency.
In the exploitation phase, the patient accepts the nurse’s help and starts relying on it, exploring all of the offered possibilities for the improvement of their situation. This reliance can, in some cases, grow into dependence, especially if the patient’s issues are severe and they see medical help as the only way of addressing them. The task of the nurse is to keep providing help while keeping the patient’s best interests in mind to ensure that their recovery is swift and safe.
The final phase, resolution, begins as the treatment, and the relationship between the nurse and the patient, come to an end. Per Knecht (2020), the nurse’s handling of this phase is crucial because improper behavior can have adverse consequences for the patient. They have to end the patient’s dependence slowly and carefully while still ensuring that their recovery finalizes successfully.
Reference
Knecht, P. (2020). Success in practical/vocational nursing: From student to leader (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.