Johnson viewed health as efficient and effective functioning of the system, and as behavioral system balance and stability. Behavioral system balance and stability are demonstrated by observed behavior that is purposeful, orderly, and predictable. Consider a clinical-practice situation that demonstrates Johnson’s model of health. How can the nurse support this theory to return the patient to balance and stability? Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook
Introduction:
Dorothy E. Johnson, a nursing theorist, developed the Behavioral System Model (BSM) as a guide for nursing practice. According to Johnson, health is characterized by an efficient and effective functioning of the system and behavioral system balance and stability. This essay will explore a clinical-practice situation that demonstrates Johnson’s model of health and discuss how a nurse can support this theory to help return the patient to balance and stability. Additionally, it will identify a scholarly source, other than the textbook, to provide further support to the discussion.
Clinical-Practice Situation:
To understand Johnson’s model of health, let us consider a clinical-practice situation involving a patient with chronic pain due to an orthopedic condition. The patient experiences a significant disruption in their daily routine and functional ability, impacting their overall well-being. They become dependent on pain medication and experience frustration, depression, and decreased motivation to engage in activities they once enjoyed. This situation exemplifies a lack of balance and stability in the patient’s behavioral system.
Supporting Johnson’s Model of Health:
In this clinical-practice situation, the nurse can support Johnson’s model of health by utilizing various nursing interventions focused on restoring balance and stability in the patient’s behavioral system. The following strategies can be employed:
1. Assessment:
The nurse must conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand the patient’s specific needs, concerns, and goals. This assessment includes a physical examination, review of medical records, pain assessment tools, and patient interviews. By obtaining a holistic overview of the patient’s condition, the nurse can identify the areas where imbalance and instability exist within their behavioral system.
2. Nursing Diagnosis:
Based on the assessment findings, the nurse can formulate nursing diagnoses that reflect the patient’s behavioral system imbalances. Examples might include impaired physical mobility related to chronic pain and altered role performance related to decreased motivation and decreased engagement in activities of daily living. These diagnoses serve as the foundation for interventions tailored to address the patient’s unique needs.
3. Planning:
The nurse and the healthcare team collaboratively develop a plan of care for the patient. This plan should focus on restoring balance and stability within the behavioral system. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). The plan may include interventions such as pain management strategies, physical therapy, psychological support, and patient education.
4. Interventions:
The nurse implements the planned interventions to restore the patient’s behavioral system balance and stability. Pain management strategies may include the administration of appropriate analgesics, non-pharmacological pain relief measures (e.g., heat therapy, relaxation techniques), and exercise programs tailored to the patient’s capabilities. Psychological support involves counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to enhance the patient’s mental well-being and motivation to engage in activities. Patient education covers topics such as self-care, medication management, and strategies for coping with chronic pain.
5. Evaluation:
Regular evaluation is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the implemented interventions. The nurse assesses the patient’s progress towards achieving their goals and modifies the plan of care, if necessary. Objective measures, such as the patient’s self-reported pain levels, functional abilities, and engagement in activities, provide valuable feedback on the success of the interventions in restoring balance and stability within the behavioral system.
In summary, Johnson’s model of health emphasizes the efficient functioning of the system and behavioral system balance and stability. In a clinical-practice situation involving a patient with chronic pain, the nurse supports this theory by conducting a comprehensive assessment, formulating nursing diagnoses, developing a tailored plan of care, implementing appropriate interventions, and evaluating the patient’s progress. These strategies aim to restore balance and stability within the patient’s behavioral system.