Dorothea Orem is best known for which theory?

Dorothea Orem is best known for which theory?

• A. Self-care theory
• B. Nursing Process theory
• C. Interpersonal theory
• D. Goal Attainment theory

Answer: (A)

Dorothea Orem’s work centers on the patient’s ability to perform self-care and the nurse’s role in supporting or compensating for those abilities. The Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory explains that people have self-care agency and self-care requisites, and nursing becomes necessary when a deficit arises—when the patient cannot meet the required self-care demands. The nurse’s task is to determine which level of assistance is needed and to design a nursing system (wholly compensatory, partly compensatory, or supportive-educative) to help the person achieve independence. This emphasis on promoting and restoring the patient’s ability to care for themselves is what makes this theory most closely associated with Dorothea Orem. Other options reflect ideas from different theorists: Peplau’s interpersonal relationships, King’s focus on goal attainment and mutual action, and the nursing process as a framework rather than a single theory.

Dorothea Orem’s work centers on the patient’s ability to perform self-care and the nurse’s role in supporting or compensating for those abilities. The Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory explains that people have self-care agency and self-care requisites, and nursing becomes necessary when a deficit arises—when the patient cannot meet the required self-care demands. The nurse’s task is to determine which level of assistance is needed and to design a nursing system (wholly compensatory, partly compensatory, or supportive-educative) to help the person achieve independence. This emphasis on promoting and restoring the patient’s ability to care for themselves is what makes this theory most closely associated with Dorothea Orem. Other options reflect ideas from different theorists: Peplau’s interpersonal relationships, King’s focus on goal attainment and mutual action, and the nursing process as a framework rather than a single theory.