Dorothea Orem: Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory

Education to the elderly may enhance the awareness for the need to maintain effective air conditions and a good supply of air as well as water intake to help the elderly who are suffering from a potential impaired respiratory system. According to Orem’s theory of self-care deficit, people are self-reliant and responsible for their care ( Dorothea Orem Theory - Nursing Theory, 2019 ). However, successfully meeting the universal and development of the self-care is crucial in the prevention of illnesses and maintaining good health. Even though people are capable of providing self-care, the knowledge of an individual on the potential health problems is required to facilitate the self-care behaviors. The elderly adults may be in a position to provide self-care or get the support from the family regarding the impaired respiratory system. They, however, require direction and knowledge on how to maintain good health and manage their condition. The role of the nurse is, therefore, to provide guidance and direction, provide both emotional and physical support and to teach the elderly on the need to maintain an effective air conditioning through sufficient ventilation that supports the respiratory system. 

Orem specifies self-care deficit as the time when a nurse is needed. According to Orem, a nurse is needed when an older adult is unable to or has limited capability to provide effective care. In this situation, a nurse gets in to help the elderly through acting, guiding and teaching on how to maintain good health and prevent illnesses. In addition to the prescribed medication, impaired respiratory system requires an older adult to maintain sufficient intake of air and water, have a good rest and enhanced social interaction ( Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory , 2019). Under the self-care deficit theory, a nurse helps the patient to achieve these requirements by providing the necessary education, guidance as well as social and physical support. 

References 

Dorothea Orem Theory - Nursing Theory. (2019). Retrieved from http://www.nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/orem-self-care-deficit-theory.php 

Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory. (2019). Retrieved from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/self_care_deficit_theory.html