Dorothea Orem is associated with which theory?

Dorothea Orem is associated with which theory?

• A. Self-care theory
• B. System model
• C. Need Theory
• D. Interpersonal theory

Answer: (A)

This item tests knowledge of which theorist aligns with a particular nursing theory. Dorothea Orem’s approach centers on the person’s capacity to perform self-care and the nursing role when self-care is limited. Her Self-Care Deficit Theory describes how individuals have a self-care agency to meet their self-care needs, and when those needs or the ability to meet them exceed the person’s capacity, a self-care deficit exists. The nurse’s job is to support or educate the patient to perform self-care, or to provide care through a system that compensates for the deficit. This can take the form of wholly compensatory, partly compensatory, or supportive-educative nursing actions, always with the aim of restoring or maintaining the patient’s independence in self-care. The other theories referenced are associated with different focal points. A system-focused model emphasizes viewing nursing within broader systems and interactions, not specifically the self-care framework. Interpersonal theory emphasizes the nurse–patient relationship and communication as the vehicle for healing. Need theories center on fundamental human needs driving nursing actions, rather than on self-care capacity and deficits.

This item tests knowledge of which theorist aligns with a particular nursing theory. Dorothea Orem’s approach centers on the person’s capacity to perform self-care and the nursing role when self-care is limited. Her Self-Care Deficit Theory describes how individuals have a self-care agency to meet their self-care needs, and when those needs or the ability to meet them exceed the person’s capacity, a self-care deficit exists. The nurse’s job is to support or educate the patient to perform self-care, or to provide care through a system that compensates for the deficit. This can take the form of wholly compensatory, partly compensatory, or supportive-educative nursing actions, always with the aim of restoring or maintaining the patient’s independence in self-care.

The other theories referenced are associated with different focal points. A system-focused model emphasizes viewing nursing within broader systems and interactions, not specifically the self-care framework. Interpersonal theory emphasizes the nurse–patient relationship and communication as the vehicle for healing. Need theories center on fundamental human needs driving nursing actions, rather than on self-care capacity and deficits.