Nursing Theory Analysis Essay Example

in the capacity of the family to adapt to the extreme stress of having a preterm infant.

The family adaptation is related to Levine’s concept of social integrity (Mefford & Alligood, 2011). Both theories have a similar framework in that they have a series of activities or principles that the theorists believe every individual must follow, actively or passively, in order to achieve good health. In the case of Nicely & DeLario’s article, Henderson’s theory was applied to a brain-dead patient in order to maintain organ viability for donation (2011). But of course, Henderson’s theory is normally applied to living patients.

Regardless of how Henderson’s theory was applied in the article, each of these two theories maintains that interventions by nursing staff are instrumental in achieving good outcomes. In contrast, these two theories differ slightly. The fourteen activities of Henderson’s theory are very specific to bodily functions and social activities that will allow the patient to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. While Levine’s model is somewhat more abstract. Levine’s four conservation principles are broader concepts that will help the patient achieve good health.