Theory Evaluation: Roy
Roy’s theory appears to be congruent with nursing standards, interventions and therapeutics, has been tested empirically, and is supported by research. Studies in recent literature apply Roy’s theory
related to isolation experiences in patients with hematologic disorders (Cheng, Qin, & Tee, 2008), and pre-eclampsia/ gestational hypertension (Black, 2008). Conclusions drawn include; accurate and comprehensive health assessment in nursing practice enables the formulation of appropriate nursing care plans which contribute to promoting the client’s health.
Utilizing a case study demonstrates application of Roy’s Adaptation Theory to Nursing Practice.
Amy was an 18 year old female seen in the emergency room for a chief complaint of severe lower abdominal pain accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was initially accompanied by her mother who left before admission. Based on her high WBC count and negative
ultrasound and x-ray, IV antibiotics have been ordered as treatment for possible pelvic inflammatory disease. Pain medication made Amy more comfortable despite her fever and nausea.
During initial assessment, application of Roy’s theory addresses Amy’s behavior in four main parts. In the physiological state, Amy’s adaptation level has been compromised by her health status including abdominal pain and nausea. She has to cope with having an infection caused by having unprotected sex. In the self-concept group identity, we can conclude the patient made the decision to come to the hospital for treatment, demonstrating good judgment. Seeking health care when ill indicates that Amy has some meaning or connection to the world.
Identifying role function, Amy is a young female who has been in a sexual relationship. She has some relationship with her mother. When considering interdependence mode, we note that Amy is an 18 year old whose mother accompanied her to the hospital, but who is now alone seeking treatment for her illness. While Roy’s theory is relevant to Amy
and her family, it would also be applicable to groups regardless of age or socioeconomic standing.
The next part of the assessment requires gathering additional information and relating it to three internal and external factors identified as focal, contextual, and residual that control adaptive behaviors in individuals. These concepts look at the connections between the person and their environment and how the environment affects adaptive behaviors and level of functioning (Roy’s adaptation model, 2012). The Roy adaptation model, with a sturdy knowledge structure, supports the nursing process and nursing practice related to holistic and human adaptation (Lee, Tsand, Wong, & Lee 2011). In combining the information from the two assessments the nurse can develop a care plan based on the idea that the person has two coping factors to deal with eventful situations (McEwen & Wills, 2011, p. 171-172). Nursing care would be directed at helping patients make changes to their behavior as a way to cope when illness occurs. Desired patient care outcomes for this
particular case study can be based on the same principles. By identifying Amy’s internal and external factors we can begin to understand how Amy manages stress. We need to consider supportive people, places and things and how they relate to Amy’s behavior. Some interventions we can utilize would be to educate Amy on her illness and to teach about health promoting/illness preventing behaviors. Amy can demonstrate that she understands the teachings by reeducating the nurse on the subject matter. The nurse could refer Amy to the hospital or school social worker or community based health program to provide further knowledge and guidance. Amy can take advantage of these referrals. In terms of dealing with a chronic illness or disease or even acute conditions, Roy concludes that the goal of nursing care is to provide ways for patient to adapt to their environment.
The Roy adaptation model has been developed as a guide for nursing practice in a world with emerging needs. In addition, the model provides a blueprint for knowledge development. Roy’s theory contributes great value to the discipline of nursing science, practice, education and
administration meaningfully by creating hundreds of research studies that has enhanced and supported nursing education for more than 35 years (Roy, 2009).
For the masters-prepared nurse, conceptualizing Roy’s comprehensive grand theory will give a farther reaching aspect to Amy’s care. Providing care to assist Amy’s adaptation and improve her level of function will be supplemented by expert knowledge and complex decision-making skills (Pulcini, 2013) of the advanced practice nurse. Roy’s broad theory provides a mechanism for the masters-prepared RN to go beyond basic care and address the person’s environmental connections with a more in-depth plan to enhance Amy’s support and improve her coping.
related to isolation experiences in patients with hematologic disorders (Cheng, Qin, & Tee, 2008), and pre-eclampsia/ gestational hypertension (Black, 2008). Conclusions drawn include; accurate and comprehensive health assessment in nursing practice enables the formulation of appropriate nursing care plans which contribute to promoting the client’s health.
Utilizing a case study demonstrates application of Roy’s Adaptation Theory to Nursing Practice.
Amy was an 18 year old female seen in the emergency room for a chief complaint of severe lower abdominal pain accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was initially accompanied by her mother who left before admission. Based on her high WBC count and negative
ultrasound and x-ray, IV antibiotics have been ordered as treatment for possible pelvic inflammatory disease. Pain medication made Amy more comfortable despite her fever and nausea.
During initial assessment, application of Roy’s theory addresses Amy’s behavior in four main parts. In the physiological state, Amy’s adaptation level has been compromised by her health status including abdominal pain and nausea. She has to cope with having an infection caused by having unprotected sex. In the self-concept group identity, we can conclude the patient made the decision to come to the hospital for treatment, demonstrating good judgment. Seeking health care when ill indicates that Amy has some meaning or connection to the world.
Identifying role function, Amy is a young female who has been in a sexual relationship. She has some relationship with her mother. When considering interdependence mode, we note that Amy is an 18 year old whose mother accompanied her to the hospital, but who is now alone seeking treatment for her illness. While Roy’s theory is relevant to Amy
and her family, it would also be applicable to groups regardless of age or socioeconomic standing.
The next part of the assessment requires gathering additional information and relating it to three internal and external factors identified as focal, contextual, and residual that control adaptive behaviors in individuals. These concepts look at the connections between the person and their environment and how the environment affects adaptive behaviors and level of functioning (Roy’s adaptation model, 2012). The Roy adaptation model, with a sturdy knowledge structure, supports the nursing process and nursing practice related to holistic and human adaptation (Lee, Tsand, Wong, & Lee 2011). In combining the information from the two assessments the nurse can develop a care plan based on the idea that the person has two coping factors to deal with eventful situations (McEwen & Wills, 2011, p. 171-172). Nursing care would be directed at helping patients make changes to their behavior as a way to cope when illness occurs. Desired patient care outcomes for this
particular case study can be based on the same principles. By identifying Amy’s internal and external factors we can begin to understand how Amy manages stress. We need to consider supportive people, places and things and how they relate to Amy’s behavior. Some interventions we can utilize would be to educate Amy on her illness and to teach about health promoting/illness preventing behaviors. Amy can demonstrate that she understands the teachings by reeducating the nurse on the subject matter. The nurse could refer Amy to the hospital or school social worker or community based health program to provide further knowledge and guidance. Amy can take advantage of these referrals. In terms of dealing with a chronic illness or disease or even acute conditions, Roy concludes that the goal of nursing care is to provide ways for patient to adapt to their environment.
The Roy adaptation model has been developed as a guide for nursing practice in a world with emerging needs. In addition, the model provides a blueprint for knowledge development. Roy’s theory contributes great value to the discipline of nursing science, practice, education and
administration meaningfully by creating hundreds of research studies that has enhanced and supported nursing education for more than 35 years (Roy, 2009).
For the masters-prepared nurse, conceptualizing Roy’s comprehensive grand theory will give a farther reaching aspect to Amy’s care. Providing care to assist Amy’s adaptation and improve her level of function will be supplemented by expert knowledge and complex decision-making skills (Pulcini, 2013) of the advanced practice nurse. Roy’s broad theory provides a mechanism for the masters-prepared RN to go beyond basic care and address the person’s environmental connections with a more in-depth plan to enhance Amy’s support and improve her coping.