The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms
The purpose of the theory is to improve further the understanding of relationships among multiple symptoms and symptom experiences to manage the symptoms through effective interventions.
Q-2) What is the scope of the theory
The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms is a middle-range theory proposed to integrate existing information about a variety of symptoms. Middle range theories consist of concrete and specific concepts and propositions
Q-3) What were the origins of the argument?
The theory was initially developed by nurse researchers that shared an interest in patients’ experiences of fatigue and dyspnea. They intended to create a relevant framework. They combined their clinical observations and reviewed the literature on fatigue and dyspnea for analysis of these concepts. The researchers analyzed commonalities between the symptoms. They began with a multiple-concept (fatigue and dyspnea) model and examined other ideas for potential incorporation into the theoretical formulation.
Q-4) What are the major concepts?
The three primary concepts are influencing factors, symptoms, and performance.
Q-5) What are the theoretical propositions? Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
The theoretical prepositions are as follows:
- Non-relational propositions- these are definitions or descriptions of concepts.
- Relational propositions- these propositions describe the relationships or linkages between 2 or more concepts.
Q-6) What are the significant assumptions?
The principal assumptions are:
The interventions refer to nursing actions intended to help patients suffering from multiple symptoms.
The evolution of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms reflects the reciprocal interaction worldview.
The conceptual model for the theory is its development from the single-concept level to a middle-range theory.
Q-7) What is the context for use?
The theory was developed for application in nursing practice and research. It can also be used to develop preventive measures to adjust the factors for multiple symptoms.
Q-8) Are the concepts theoretically and operationally defined? Why or why not?
The concepts are not theoretically and operationally defined for the following reasons;
In the non-relational prepositions, Lenz et al. described the performance concept but failed to explain one of its sub-concepts, cognitive activities and instead only gave examples.
The relational prepositions are simply mentioned but not explained in detail.
Q-9) Are statements defined? Why or why not?
The statements are not defined because they are not easy to understand without raising any doubts as to their meaning.
Q-10) Are linkages explicit? Explain your answer.
The linkages are not explicit as details have not been given, thus leaving room for confusion or doubt.
Q-11) Is the theory logically organized? Explain your answer.
The theory is not logically organized as it displays partial semantic clarity. Not all of the sub-concepts are described. There is also a lack of consistency in terms used for the concepts.
Q-12) Is there a model/diagram? Why or why not?
There is a model that attempts to present the concepts, but it fails to illustrate the two sub-concepts of functional and cognitive activities.
Q-13) Are the concepts, statements and assumptions consistent? Why or why not?
There is no consistency in the concepts. Consistent terms are not used for the ideas. For instance, the terms “symptoms” and “symptom experience” are used interchangeably for the idea of symptoms, the terms “functional activities,” “functional performance,” and “functional status” are used interchangeably for the idea of functional activity among others.
The assumptions are consistent.
Q-14) Are outcomes or consequence stated or predicted?
The predicted outcome is an improvement of nurses’ assessment of symptoms and management of patients.
Q-15) Is the theory congruent with current nursing standards? Nursing interventions?
The theory is congruent with the current nursing standards.
The TOUS concept of symptoms is measurable by use of reliable instruments. Several instruments have been invented to measure various symptoms, including fatigue.
Q-16) Has the theory been tested? Does research support it? Explain your answer.
The theory has been tested by the various findings of research studies shown in Table 2.
The findings support the theory’s assertions regarding influencing factors, symptoms, and performance and their relationships.
Q-17) Is there evidence that the theory has been used? Is it socially or culturally relevant? Explain your answer.
The theory has conceptually and theoretically guided 31 articles that have been reviewed, among others. It has been used in studies of different populations and multiple countries. Research shows that the concepts in TOUS can become operational. For instance, physiologic factors were operationalized as preexisting health conditions such as breast cancer and menopausal status.
Q-18) Does the theory contribute to nursing? What are implications for nursing related to the implementation of the theory?
The theory contributes to nursing in terms of assessment of multiple symptoms. It can be applied to different patient populations with various health conditions.
The theory can help nurses in the identification of individualized interventions to produce favourable outcomes.
Nurses can control the application of the theory and measure its efficiency.
Q-19) How would you use the theory in a research study or in practice?
I would use the theory to assess multiple symptoms rather than focus on individual symptoms.
I would also use it in examining concepts, their relationships and coming up with the needed interventions.