Diabetes Case Study: Roy Adaptation Model

The theory that I am using for the Diabetes Case Study is, Roy Adaptation Model (RAM), which is a stress/adaptation theory. This theory shows that depending on the issue of the patient along with other social circumstances, it can make the difference in the way a person can get better and stay healthy. Since there are other factors, which can include social, psychosocial, or environmental, Stella needs to reflect to see what are things that can be modified and what things are non-modifiable. The main thesis and concept of the theory is a nursing process approach to gather data, identify the capacities and needs of the human adaptive system, select and implement approaches for nursing care, and evaluate the outcome (RAM, 2012). This is done …show more content…
When assessing Stella, it is noted that she is a single Italian woman, obese, a type 2 diabetic for the last 10 years, and has problems with painful lower extremity neuropathy (Kumar, 2007). As the article mentioned, Stella is aware that she needs to manage her care better, but due to the situation of having to take care of her mother, it makes it difficult for her to take care of herself. She manages her mother’s care on her own due to her father’s passing four years ago. Even though she has a sibling to help take care of her mother, Stella’s mother wants her to manage her care and all her needs. This can make it difficult for Stella to be able to address her own needs, as she places her mother’s care as a priority. In working with her diagnosis, which can be many things for Stella, from ineffective self-health management, risk for unstable blood glucose level, or self-neglect, Stella needs to reflect her needs and what she can do to make the situation better. In setting goals for Stella, it involves the establishment of clear statements of the behavioral outcomes for nursing care (RAM, 2012). Stella works with a diabetes educator, to help identify what strengths she has and what she needs further education on. The number one priority, is for Stella to address that she needs to make herself and her health a priority. If Stella does not do this, she is not only doing a disservice to herself but also to her mother. Stella needs to begin this by getting her Diabetes under control by monitoring her blood sugars. She stated she has a glucose monitor but doesn’t use it. Control of her diabetes will prevent her from having episodes of high and low blood sugars. Stella also needs to reflect on her current food choices, as in her culture, family gatherings are centered around Italian meals, which are high in carbohydrates. Next, Stella