Application of Betty Neuman
Application of Betty Neuman
Application of Betty Neuman
OBJECTIVES
to assess the patient condition by the various methods explained by the nursing theory
to identify the needs of the patient
to select a theory for the application according to the need of the patient
INTRODUCTION
The Neumans system model has two major components:stress and reaction to stress.
The client in the Neumans system model is viewed as an open system in which repeated cycles of input, process, out put
and feed back constitute a dynamic organizational pattern.
In the development towards growth and development open system continuously become more differentiated and elaborate or
complex.
As they become more complex, the internal conditions of regulation become more complex.
Exchange with the environment are reciprocal, both the client and the environment may be affected either positively or
negatively by the other.
As an open system the client, the client system has propensity to seek or maintain a balance among the various factors, both
with in and out side the system, that seek to disrupt it. Neuman seeks these forces as stressors and views them as capable of
having either positive or negative effects.
Reaction to the stressors may be possible or actual with identifiable responses and symptom.
MAJOR CONCEPTS
I. PERSON VARIABLES
Each layer, or concentric circle, of the Neuman model is made up of the five person variables. Ideally, each of the person variables should
be considered simultaneously and comprehensively.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Developmental - refers to those processes related to development over the life span.
The basic structure, or central core, is made up of the basic survival factors that are common to the species (Neuman, 1995,
in George, 1996).
These factors include: system variables, genetic features, and the strengths and weaknesses of the system parts. Examples
of these may include: hair color, body temperature regulation ability, functioning of body systems homeostatically, cognitive
ability, physical strength, and value systems.
The person's system is an open system and therefore is dynamic and constantly changing and evolving.
Stability, or homeostasis, occurs when the amount of energy that is available exceeds that being used by the system.
A homeostatic body system is constantly in a dynamic process of input, output, feedback, and compensation, which leads to
a state of balance.
The flexible line of defense is the outer barrier or cushion to the normal line of defense, the line of resistance, and the core
structure.
If the flexible line of defense fails to provide adequate protection to the normal line of defense, the lines of resistance become
activated.
The flexible line of defense acts as a cushion and is described as accordion-like as it expands away from or contracts closer
to the normal line of defense.
The flexible line of defense is dynamic and can be changed/altered in a relatively short period of time.
The normal line of defense can change over time in response to coping or responding to the environment. An example is skin,
which is stable and fairly constant, but can thicken into a callus over time.
V. LINES OF RESISTANCE
The lines of resistance protect the basic structure and become activated when environmental stressors invade the normal line of defense.
Example: activation of the immune response after invasion of microorganisms. If the lines of resistance are effective, the system can
reconstitute and if the lines of resistance are not effective, the resulting energy loss can result in death.
VI. RECONSTITUTION-
Reconstitution is the increase in energy that occurs in relation to the degree of reaction to the stressor. Reconstitution begins at any point
following initiation of treatment for invasion of stressors. Reconstitution may expand the normal line of defense beyond its previous level,
stabilize the system at a lower level, or return it to the level that existed before the illness.
VII. STRESSORS
The Neuman Systems Model looks at the impact of stressors on health and addresses stress and the reduction of stress (in the form of
stressors). Stressors are capable of having either a positive or negative effect on the client system. A stressor is any environmental force
which can potentially affect the stability of the system: they may be:
Extra personal - occur outside the individual, e.g. job or finance pressures
The person has a certain degree of reaction to any given stressor at any given time. The nature of the reaction depends in part on the
strength of the lines of resistance and defense. By means of primary, secondary and tertiary interventions, the person (or the nurse)
attempts to restore or maintain the stability of the system.
VII. PREVENTION
As defined by Neuman's model, prevention is the primary nursing intervention. Prevention focuses on keeping stressors and the stress
response from having a detrimental effect on the body.
Primary -Primary prevention occurs before the system reacts to a stressor. On the one hand, it strengthens the person (primarily the flexible
line of defense) to enable him to better deal with stressors, and on the other hand manipulates the environment to reduce or weaken
stressors. Primary prevention includes health promotion and maintenance of wellness.
Secondary-Secondary prevention occurs after the system reacts to a stressor and is provided in terms of existing systems. Secondary
prevention focuses on preventing damage to the central core by strengthening the internal lines of resistance and/or removing the stressor.
Tertiary -Tertiary prevention occurs after the system has been treated through secondary prevention strategies. Tertiary prevention offers
support to the client and attempts to add energy to the system or reduce energy needed in order to facilitate reconstitution.
NURSING METAPARADIGM
A. PERSON
The person is a layered multidimensional being. Each layer consists of five person variables or subsystems:
Physical/Physiological
Psychological
Socio-cultural
Developmental
Spiritual
The layers, usually represented by concentric circle, consist of the central core, lines of resistance, lines of normal defense, and lines of
flexible defense.
The basic core structure is comprised of survival mechanisms including: organ function, temperature control, genetic structure, response
Lines of resistance and two lines of defense protect this core. The person may in fact be an individual, a family, a group, or a community in
Neuman's model.
The person, with a core of basic structures, is seen as being in constant, dynamic interaction with the environment.
Around the basic core structures are lines of defense and resistance (shown diagrammatically as concentric circles, with the lines of
resistance nearer to the core.
The person is seen as being in a state of constant change and-as an open system-in reciprocal interaction with the environment (i.e.
affecting, and being affected by it).
B. THE ENVIRONMENT-
The environment is seen to be the totality of the internal and external forces which surround a person and with which they interact at any
given time. These forces include the intrapersonal, interpersonal and extra personal stressors which can affect the person's normal line of
defense and so can affect the stability of the system.
Neuman also identified a created environment which is an environment that is created and developed unconsciously by the client and is
symbolic of system wholeness.
C. HEALTH-
Neuman sees health as being equated with wellness. She defines health/wellness as "the condition in which all parts and
subparts (variables) are in harmony with the whole of the client (Neuman, 1995)".
As the person is in a constant interaction with the environment, the state of wellness (and by implication any other state) is in
dynamic equilibrium, rather than in any kind of steady state.
Neuman proposes a wellness-illness continuum, with the person's position on that continuum being influenced by their
interaction with the variables and the stressors they encounter.
The client system moves toward illness and death when more energy is needed than is available. The client system moves
toward wellness when more energy is available than is needed.
D. NURSING
Neuman sees nursing as a unique profession that is concerned with all of the variables which influence the response a
person might have to a stressor.
The person is seen as a whole, and it is the task of nursing to address the whole person.
Neuman defines nursing as actions which assist individuals, families and groups to maintain a maximum level of wellness,
and the primary aim is stability of the patient/client system, through nursing interventions to reduce stressors.
Neuman states that, because the nurse's perception will influence the care given, then not only must the patient/client's
perceptions be assessed, but so must those of the caregiver (nurse).
The role of the nurse is seen in terms of degrees of reaction to stressors, and the use of primary, secondary and tertiary
interventions.
1. Nursing Diagnosis - based of necessity in a thorough assessment, and with consideration given to five variables in three
stressor areas.
2. Nursing Goals - these must be negotiated with the patient, and take account of patient's and nurse's perceptions of
variance from wellness
3. Nursing Outcomes - considered in relation to five variables, and achieved through primary, secondary and tertiary
interventions.
Assessment: Neumans first step of nursing process parallels the assessment and nursing diagnosis of the six phase
nursing process. Using system model in the assessment phase of nursing process the nurse focuses on obtaining a
comprehensive client data base to determine the existing state of wellness and actual or potential reaction to environmental
stressors.
Nursing diagnosis- the synthesis of data with theory also provides the basis for nursing diagnosis. The nursing diagnostic
statement should reflect the entire client condition.
Outcome identification and planning- it involves negotiation between the care giver and the client or recipient of care. The
overall goal of the care giver is to guide the client to conserve energy and to use energy as a force to move beyond the
present.
Implementation nursing action are based on the synthesis of a comprehensive data base about the client and the theory
that are appropriate to the clients and caregivers perception and possibilities for functional competence in the environment.
According to this step the evaluation confirms that the anticipated or prescribed change has occurred. Immediate and long
range goals are structured in relation to the short term goals.
Evaluation evaluation is the anticipated or prescribed change has occurred. If it is not met the goals are reformed.
ASSESSMENT
PATIENT PROFILE
1. Name- Mr. AM
2. Age- 66 years
3. Sex-Male
4. Marital status-married
Patient was suffering from severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowish discolorations of eye, palm, and urine,
Patient underwent operative procedure i.e. WHIPPLES PROCEDURE- Pancreato duodenectomy on 27/3/08.
Psychologically disturbed about his disease condition- anticipating it as a life threatening condition. Patient is in depressive
mood and does not interacting.
Patient is disturbed by the thoughts that he became a burden to his children with so many serious illnesses which made them
to stay with him at hospital.
Patient has pitting type of edema over the ankle region, and it is more during the evening and will not be relieved by elevation
of the affected extremities.
He had developed BPH few months back (2008 January) and underwent surgery TURP on January 17. Still he has mild
difficulty in initiating the stream of urine.
Patient is a known case of Diabetes since last 28 years and for the last 4 years he is on Inj. H.Insulin (4U-0-0). It is adding up
his distress regarding his health.
active in church
spends leisure time by reading news paper, watching TV, spending time with family members and relatives
The fatigue is similar to that of previous hospitalization (after the surgery of the BPH)
Severity of pain was some what similar in the previous time of surgery i.e. TURP.
What helped then- family members psychological support helped him to over come the crisis situation
Instillation of positive thoughts i.e. planning about the activities to be resume after discharge, spending time with grand
children, going to the church, return back to the social interactions etc
Avoiding the negative thoughts i.e. diverts the attentions from the pain or difficulties, try to eliminate the disturbing thoughts
about the disease and surgery etc
Family members visiting the patient and spending some time with him will help to a great extent to relieve his tension.
Convey a warm and accepting behaviour towards him.
Family members will help him to meet his own personal needs as much as possible.
Involve the patient also in taking decisions about his own care, treatment, follow up etc
Persistent fatigue
Massive weight loss i.e.( 8 kg of body weight with in 4 months)
Persistence of urinary symptoms (difficulty in initiating the stream of urine) and edema of the lower extremities
Hospitalization
acute pain ( before the surgery patient had pain because of the underlying pathology and after the surgery pain is present at
the surgical site)
nausea and vomiting which was present before the surgery and is still persisting after the surgery also
Anticipatory anxiety concerning the restrictions after the surgery and the life style modifications which are to be followed.
Patient verbalized that the severity of pain, nausea, fatigue etc was similar to that of patients previous surgery. Counter
checked with the family members that what they observed.
Psychologically disturbed previously also before the surgery. (collected from the patient and counter checked with the
relatives)
Client perceived that the present disease condition is much more severe than the previous condition. He thinks it is a serious
form of cancer and the recovery is very poor. So patient is psychologically depressed.
Future anticipations
Client is capable of handling the situation- will need support and encouragement to do so.
He has the plans to go back home and to resume the activities which he was doing prior to the hospitalization.
He also planned in his mind about the future follow up ie continuation of chemotherapy
He is trying to clarify his own doubts in an attempt to eliminate doubts and to instill hope.
He tries to consider them as a significant members who can help to over come the stress
He seeks both psychological and physical support from the care givers, friends and family members
He sees the family members as helping hands and feels relaxed when they are with him.
There is no apparent discrepancies identified between patients perception and the care givers perceptions.
INTRAPERSONAL FACTORS
Height- 162 cm
Weight 42 kg
BP- 130/78 mm of Hg
Eye- vision is normal, on examination the appearance of eye is normal. Conjunctiva is pale in appearance. Pupils reacting to
the light.
Ear- appearance of ears normal. No wax deposition. Pinna is normal in appearance and hearing ability is also normal.
Respiratory system- respiratory rate is normal, no abnormal sounds on auscultation. Respiratory rate is 16 breaths per min.
Cardiovascular system- heart rate is 76 per min. on auscultation no abnormalities detected. Edema is present over the left
ankle which is non pitting in nature.
GIT- patient has the complaints of reduced appetite, nausea; vomiting etc. food intake is very less. Mouth- on examination is
normal. Bowel sounds are reduced. Abdomen could not be palpated because of the presence of the surgical incision. Bowel
habits are not regular after the hospitalization
Extremities- range of motion of the extremities are normal. Edema is present over the left ankle which is non pitting in nature.
Because of weakness and fatigue he is not able to walk with out support
Integumentary system- extremities are mild yellowish in color. No cyanosis. Capillary refill is normal.
Genitor urinary system- patient has difficulty in initiating the urine stream. No complaints of painful micturation or difficulty in
passing urine.
Self acre activities- perform some of his activities, for getting up from the bed he needs some other persons support. To walk
also he needs a support. He do his personal care activities with the support from the others
Immunizations- it is been told that he has taken the immunizations at the specific periods itself and he also had taken
hepatitis immunization around 8 years back
Sleep . He told that sleep is reduced because of the pain and other difficulties. Sleep is reduced after the hospitalization
because of the noisy environment.
Diet and nutrition- patient is taking mixed diet, but the food intake is less when compared to previous food intake because of
the nausea and vomiting. Usually he takes food three times a day.
Other complaints- patient has the complaints of pain fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, difficulty in urination, etc...
Studied up to BA
Congenial home environment and good relationship with wife and children
Is active in the social activities at his native place and also actively involves in the religious activities too.
Has some good and close friend at his place and he actively interact with them. They also very supportive to him
Good social support system is present from the family as well as from the neighborhood
3. Developmental factors
Patient confidently says that he had been worked for 32 years as a teacher and he was a very good teacher for students and
was a good coworker for the friends.
He told that he could manage the official and house hold activities very well
He was very active after the retirement and once he go back also he will resume the activities
He has a personal Bible and he used to read it min of 2 times a day and also whenever he is worried or tensed he used to
pray or read Bible.
He has a good social support system present which helps him to keep his mind active.
INTERPERSONAL FACTORS
EXTRAPERSONAL FACTORS
His house at a village which is not much far from the city and the facilities are available at the place.
Financially they are stable and are able to meet the treatment expenses.
Summary
Physiological- thin body built pallor of extremities, yellowish discoloration of the mucus membrane and sclera of eye. Nausea,
vomiting, reduced appetite, reduced urinary out put. Diagnosed to have periampullary carcinoma.
Psycho socio cultural factors- patient is anxious abut his condition. Depressive mood. Not interacting much with others. Good
support system is present.
Spiritual- patients belief system has a positive contribution to his recovery and adjustment.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Complaints of vomiting
Fatigue
Reduced appetite
Investigations
Values
Hemoglobin(13-19g/dl)
6.9
HCT (40-50%)
21.9
12200
Neutrophil (40-75%)
77.2
Lymphocyte (25-45%)
10.5
Monocyte (2-10%)
4.5
Eosinophil (0-10%)
2.6
Basophil (0-2%)
.2
345000
ESR (0-10mm/hr)
86
148
Pus C/S
USG
USG shows mild diffuse cell growth at the Ampulla of Vater which suggests peri ampullary
carcinoma of Grade I with out metastasis and gross spread.
Urea (8-35mg/dl)
28
1.8
136
PT (patient)(11.4-15.6 sec)
12.3
26.4
Blood group
A+
HIV
Negative
HCV
Negative
HBsAg
Negative
Negative
Nil
RBC (nil )
Nil
Initial Treatment
Patient got admitted to ---Medical college for 3 days and
the symptoms not relieved. So
they asked for discharge and
came to ---this hospital. There he
wastreated with:
IV fluids DNS
Other instructions
Incentive spirometry
Steam inhalation
Eearly ambulation
Diabetic diet
Surgical management
Patient underwent Whipples procedure
(pancreato duodenectomy)
NURSING PROCESS
I. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
Acute pain related to the presence of surgical wound on abdomen secondary to periampullary carcinoma
Desired Outcome/goal :
Patient will get relief from pain as evidenced by a reduction in the pain
Nursing Actions
Primary Prevention secondary Prevention Tertiary Prevention
Provide non-pharmacological
measures for pain relief such
as diversional activity which
diverts the patients mind.
Evaluation patient verbalized that the pain got reduced and the pain scale score also
was zero. His facial expression also reveals that he got relief from pain.
II. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
Activity intolerance related to fatigue secondary to pain at the surgery site, and
dietary restrictions
Outcome/ goals: Client will develop appropriate levels of activity free from excess
fatigue, as evidenced by normal vital signs & verbalized understanding of the benefits of
gradual increase in activity & exercise.
Nursing actions
Secondary
prevention
Primary prevention
Adequately
oxygenate the
Instruct the
client to
Tertiary prevention
Encourage the
client to do the
avoid the
activities
which
causes
extreme
fatigue.
client
Instruct the
client to avoid
the activities
which causes
extreme fatigue
Provide the
necessary
articles near the
patients bed
side.
Assist
the
patient in early
ambulation
Monitor clients
response to the
activities in
order to reduce
discomforts.
Provide
nutritious diet
to the client.
Avoid
psychological
distress to the
client. Tell the
family
members to be
with him.
Schedule rest
periods because
it helps to
alleviate fatigue
Advice the
client to
perform
exercises to
strengthen
the
extremities
& promote
activities
Tell the
client to
avoid the
activities
such as
straining at
stool etc
Teach the
client about
the
importance
of early
ambulation
and assist
the patient
in early
ambulation
Teach the
mobility
exercises
appropriate
for the
patient to
improve the
circulation
mobility
exercises
Teach the
patient and the
family about
the importance
of
psychological
well being in
recovery.
Provide the
primary and
secondary level
care if
necessary.
Evaluation patient verbalized that his activity level improved. He is able to do some of
his activities with assistance. Fatigue relieved and patient looks much more active and
interactive.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS-III
Impaired physical mobility related to presence of dressing, pain at the site of
surgical incision
Outcomes/goals: Patient will have improved physical mobility as evidenced by walking
with minimum support and doing the activities in limit.
Nursing actions
Secondary
prevention
Primary prevention
Provide
active and
passive
exercises to
all
the
extremities
to improve
the muscle
tone
and
strength.
Make the
patient to
perform the
breathing
exercises
which will
strengthen
the
respiratory
muscle.
Massage the
upper and
lower
extremities
which help
to improve
the
circulation.
Provide
articles near
Provide
positive
reinforceme
nt for even a
small
improvemen
t to increase
the
frequency of
the desired
activity.
Teach the
mobility
exercises
appropriate
for the
patient to
improve the
circulation
and to
prevent
contractures
Mobilize the
patient and
encourage
him to do so
whenever
possible
Motivate the
Tertiary prevention
Educate and
reeducate the
client and
family about
the patients
care and
recovery
Support the
patient, and
family
towards the
attainment of
the goals
Coordinate
the care
activities with
the family
members and
other
disciplines
like
physiotherap
y.
Teach the
importance of
psychological
well being
to the
patient and
encourage
doing
activities
within limits
which
promote a
feeling of
well being.
which
influence
indirectly the
physical
recovery
client to
involve in
his own care
activities
Provide
primary
preventive
measures
whenever
necessary
Provide
primary
preventive
measures
whenever
necessary
CONCLUSION
The Neumans system model when applied in nursing practice helped in identifying the
interpersonal, intrapersonal and extra personal stressors of Mr. AM from various aspects.
This was helpful to provide care in a comprehensive manner. The application of this
theory revealed how well the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions
could be used for solving the problems in the client.
REFERENCES