A Nursing Experience for Application of the Neuman System Model to a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease=應用紐曼模式於一位慢性 阻塞性肺疾病患者之護理經驗

Abstract

In this study, the Neuman System model was applied while caring for an 84 -year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The period of nursing care was from January 7 to January 10, 2009. Data were collected by means of interview, observation, assessment, and physical examination. With the Neuman System model, the data were analyzed in terms of the stressors in physiological, psychological, social and cultural, and developmental and spiritual aspects. The patient's main stress came from physiological and psychological problems. The patient was emotionally depressed secondary to acute exacerbation of the respiratory disease. Identified major health problems were ineffective breathing pattern, fluid overload, activity intolerance, and fear. Individualized nursing interventions included progressive pulmonary exercises for rehabilitation and proactive stress management, which helped strengthen the patient's disease resistance and defense mechanisms. This article serves as a reference for clinical nurses who care for COPD patients with acute exacerbation facing a life threatening situation.