Ch 2 Definitions

Question 1

First order beliefs

Answer 1

• provide basic information about what is real or true
• indicate what a person expects on the basis of information shared or obtained from others
• are the foundation for the formation of all other beliefs

Question 2

Higher-order beliefs

Answer 2

Categorize or bring order to a multitude of ideas

Question 3

Values

Answer 3

• establish the foundation of self-concept
• indicate a persons judgments of ideas, objects or behavior
• provide a framework for decision making
• guide life decisions on the basis of what a person views as most important

Question 4

Swanson’s five caring processes

Answer 4

• knowing
• being with
• doing for
• enabling
• maintaining belief

Question 5

Describe the differences between beliefs and values and how they develop:

Answer 5

Beliefs are mental representations of reality, or what a person thinks is real or true; values are enduring beliefs that help the person decide what is right and wrong and determine what goals to strive for and what personal qualities to develop. Beliefs and values are developed through personal experiences, family influences, culture, ethnic background, spirituality, religion, and education.

Question 6

Explain the use of the values clarification process in dealing with a values conflict:

Answer 6

The nurse needs to recognize when a values conflict exists and seek ways to identify the underlying factors causing the concern. A values clarification tool can be used to help patients examine past life experiences and consider where they spend their time, energy, and money to provide insight into what they truly value and believe. Values clarification can help nurses become more aware of their own personal values and beliefs that impact professional nursing practice.

Question 7

Summarize how the beliefs of nurses and patients influence health care:

Answer 7

The beliefs of both nurses and patients influence how patients are treated, what patients listen to and act upon, and patient outcomes.

Question 8

Discuss the major concepts of four nursing theories of caring:

Answer 8

Leininger’s Cultural Care Theory states that culturally based nursing actions are intended to preserve, accommodate, or reconstruct the patient’s meaningful health or life patterns. Watson’s Human Science and Human Care Theory is a holistic model of care in which the nurse’s focus is on 10 carative factors. According to Travelbee’s Human-to-Human Relationship Model, the nurse assists the patient through five phases of a relationship and, if necessary, to find meaning in these experiences. Swanson’s Middle Range Theory of Caring focuses on five processes of relationship-based caring for the nurse: maintaining belief, knowing, being with, doing for, and enabling the patient.

Question 9

Articulate ways in which nurses develop into caring professionals:

Answer 9

Nurses develop caring skills through life experiences, observation of both positive and negative role models, and interaction with strong professional mentors.

Question 10

Identify behaviors that demonstrate caring:

Answer 10

Nurses demonstrate caring through presence, consistency, predictability, touch, and listening