Nursing Model Case Study: Urinary Incontinence In Nursing

Model Case AT is a 35 year old, English speaking female. She has been a nurse for 5 years and has just begun working part time so she can raise her two daughters, 2 and 4. She has always considered herself healthy and active, as she ran 5 miles, 4 times a week. After the birth of her second daughter, she began experiencing urinary incontinence related to activity and stress. This incontinence has worsened over the past two years. AT’s goal is to increase her quality of life by decreasing her symptoms and regaining a sense of normalcy as she continues to progress through her stages of life. Knowing she cannot overcome her deficit on her own, she seeks medical assistance. In this scenario, the nurse must critically assess the situation …show more content…
In this case, the patient is able to perform most of her self-care. The nurse will need to create a plan of care based on the supportive educative system with a focus on monitoring and regulating that self-care. In this capacity the nurse supplies the resources and educational tools to teach the patient how to deal with and improve the symptoms of incontinence. This type of nursing action allows the patient to be completely participatory and responsible for regaining self-care. The nurse will be supportive as she guides that care and assists the patient in regaining normalcy. By applying Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, nurses have a model for offering the nursing care required. It gives nurses a foundation which guides them through theory, concepts and goal setting (Bernier, 2002). The theory is universal for it drives the nursing care no matter what specialty is required to fill the deficit. Ultimately, self-care agency is restored and better patient outcomes obtained. …show more content…
Orem’s modern day approach to nursing practice is the foundation of nursing as it transitions the patient from self-care deficit dependent to self-care capable preparing the patient to assume responsibility of self-care as they can handle it. In the absence of self-care, the nurse fulfills the role and creates an environment to improve that patient’s outcomes by regaining that self-care ability. Researchers have proven that Orem’s theory of self-care enhances daily nursing intervention, quality of care, health promotion, and ultimately active participation in self-care (CAD researcher). Orem’s nursing concept supports the desire to optimize health outcomes and patient experience as it empowers the patient to care for self through the support and encouragement of nursing practice (Pearson,