Select one of the five learning theories discussed in your reading for this week.
The best theory to be used in helping group of 50 – 60 year old men and women who are hypertensive and want to learn about what it is and how to care for them would be the theory of reasoned action/planned behavior. The theory has proven to be effective when used among the elderly to help them observe healthy behaviors (Peters and Templin, 2010).
Identify at least five nursing interventions that would be consistent with theory of reasoned action/planned behavior for a group of 50 – 60 year old men and women who are hypertensive and want to learn about what it is and how to care for them
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Patient education, offered at least once every two weeks at the nearest clinic, will be crucial to this group of patients since it will allow for the patients to understand the causes of the disease, the risks associated with the disease, and how to observe the various management interventions to lower the severity of symptoms associated with hypertension. Patients will be advised to avoid smoking or stop smoking since it is a known risk factor for development of hypertension. The third intervention may involve advising patients to avoid intake of excessive salt since it is a risk factor for hypertension. The fourth intervention may involve advising patients to watch their weight by adopting healthy behaviors that will help them avoid being overweight, for instance, being physically active and avoid fatty foods and sugars. The fifth intervention may entail instructing patients to avoid any form of mental stress since it is a known risk factor for development of hypertension.
Provide a rational as to why you feel the learning theory you selected is appropriate for your particular situation.
The theory of reasoned action/planned behavior would be the best for this group of patients since it is best at predicting the varied determinants of a particular health behavior. Additionally, the theory is based on two primary assumptions including; behavior control happens at will and people adopting respective behavior are rational. Regarding this case, patients suffering from hypertension may have the desire to experience improved health outcomes and this may force them to undertake recommended behavior changes. Different behaviors may be adopted due to the anticipated outcome. For instance, those who smoke may decide to stop smoking to lower severity of the symptoms of hypertension (Peters and Templin, 2010).
Reference
Peters, R. M., & Templin, T. N. (2010). Theory of Planned Behavior, Self-Care Motivation, and Blood Pressure Self-Care. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice , 24 (3), 172–186.
