NR 501 Week 3 Discussion: Steps of Concept Analysis.
At the end of Week 3 your concept analysis is due. This discussion provides an opportunity to start
... [Show More] this assignment. Select a nursing concept, supported by a nursing theory, and address the following components included in a concept analysis:
Definition of concept
Identification of three attributes of the concept
Description of one antecedent and one consequence of the concept
Identification of two empirical referents
A brief explanation of theoretical applications of the concept (How is the concept relevant to a nursing theory?)
This information does not have to be comprehensive but provides a foundation to the upcoming assignment. Be sure to include scholarly references.
ANSWER
Looking at Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory and her metaparadigm of concepts. I have chosen to focus on the health concept. Health, according to Nightingale refers the optimal level of health based on one’s personal choices, genetics, as well as what ones environment provides. “There is no consensus on the definition of a concept. Concepts are described as abstraction, mental formulations, mental images, and words that represent mental images. Therefore, concepts are not self-evident or refer to the same type of thing. Other authors point out that concepts have several meanings, uses, and definitions that are often described in words” (Regina Szylit, Katia, & Dina de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da, 2014).
Taking a further look into the health concept and applying to my current profession in the nursing field. As a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the health and well-being of our sick and premature infants is of upmost concern and extremely complex. Through Nightingales health concept one can understand that the risk of growth failure in premature infants is largely affected by growth restriction, nutrition deficiency, and environmental stress factors. The goal being that extra uterine growth mimic the intrauterine patterns. “Concept Analysis of Growth Failure in Preterm infants in the NICU” discusses attributes of preterm growth failure as; “Suboptimal Physiologic Growth” that utilize growth charts to plot measurements, and determine if growth is at most optimal. “Insufficient Nutritional Support” that can present with limited calories in breastmilk, milk protein allergies, infection and intravenous support for purpose of resting the gut. Finally, “Excessive Energy Expenditure,” that results from environmental stimulation from procedures, infections, stress form various sounds of beeping machines and voices from within the NICU setting (Schehr & Johnson,2017, p.873-874)
The same article goes on to mention an antecedent for premature growth failure as the age of viability. Currently at 23 weeks gestational age and 400g or greater in birth weight (Schehr & Johnson, 2017, p. 875). A change from 24 weeks and 500g. Age of viability refers to the age and weight at which a premature infant can grow and strive with resuscitative efforts. A consequence of growth failure in the premature age group is the continued length of NICU stay based on respiratory factors, neurobehavioral instability, infection rates, developmental delays, as well and oral feeding difficulty and delay. The empirical referent in this scenario with premature growth failure would be the tools used to determine the rate at which said growth occurs. For example, the growth charts as mentioned are to be utilized to plot measurements on scales to determine size variations. This however works for infants of any gestation or size.
Lastly, the Nightingale health concept applies to this situation largely due to the maternal choices that the infants are provided in utero, and then also at birth. The health of the mother and her personal choices or social factors can greatly affect the infant and the growth restrictions they endure. Not limited to genetic factors that can cause sickness at delivery or thereafter. Infection such as sepsis or Necrotizing Enterocolitis all factor into the extra uterine care these premature infants receive. The attributes discussed above show that all concepts can be explained in various ways and are not self-evident.
Regina Szylit, B., Kátia, P., & Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da, C. (2014). Nursing concepts and theories. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, Vol 48, Iss 1, Pp 141-145 (2014), (1), 141. doi:10.1590/S0080-623420140000100018
Schehr, L. K., & Johnson, T. S. (2017). Concept analysis of growth failure in preterm infants in the NICU. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing: JOGNN, 46(6), 870-877. doi:10.1016/j.jogn.2017.09.005
Most of my research thus far has been based off Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory. Reading about Dorothea Orem’s self-care theory in your discussion post has sparked my interest. You mentioned that a consequence of the concept self- care is relief from stress. I feel that is very much of importance when patients are newly diagnosed with an illness or disease. Or even a new treatment regimen. Orem (1987) defined self-care as “the action of mature and maturing persons who have the powers and who have developed or developing capabilities to use appropriate, reliable, and valid measures to regulate their own functioning and development in stable or changing environments” (Blok, 2017, p. 139). Educating them on the treatment plan as well as their support system can undo some of the stress they may feel. Reinforcing that self-confidence and ability to perform necessary interventions is an appropriate antecedent and consequence of the self-care theory. I also feel that it is our goal as advanced practice nurses to have the ability to help our patients get control of their own personal independence.
Blok, A. C. (2017). A Middle-Range Explanatory Theory of Self-Management Behavior for Collaborative Research and Practice. Nursing Forum, 52(2), 138-146. doi:10.1111/nuf.12169
from Week 3: Steps of Concept Analysis
Jan 20, 2018 8:56am
Nicole Schmidt
Dr. Clark,
I wanted to offer my thoughts on the use of concepts in various disciplines. One of the ideas that I discussed within my initial post stated that concepts are thoughts or ideas that offer insight into the field, and with that any field. “There is no consensus on the definition of a concept. Concepts are described as abstraction, mental formulations, mental images, and words that represent mental images. Therefore, concepts are not self-evident or refer to the same type of thing. Other authors point out that concepts have several meanings, uses, and definitions that are often described in words” (Regina Szylit, Katia, & Dina de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da, 2014). Even though Dorothea Orem’s self-care concept relates to modern nursing care, the concept within the theory applies to all human beings and their need to provide care for themselves. It’s a broad theoretical assumption that can be applied to any aspect of an individual’s life.
Regina Szylit, B., Kátia, P., & Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da, C. (2014). Nursing concepts and theories. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, Vol 48, Iss 1, Pp 141-145 (2014), (1), 141. doi:10.1590/S0080-623420140000100018 [Show Less]