Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms

This document discusses the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, which motivates nurses to look out for new symptoms in patients and seeks to better the comprehension of symptoms in different circumstances and provide essential information in the devising of ways to curb the manifestations of an illness. It covers the purpose, scope, origins, major concepts, theoretical propositions, major assumptions, context for use, and more.

Running head: THEORY OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS
THEORY OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS
Name
Institution Affiliation

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THEORY OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS
Questions
Q-1) What is the purpose of the theory?
It motivates nurses to look out for new symptoms in patients and seeks to better the
comprehension of symptoms in different circumstances and provide essential information in the
devising of ways to curb the manifestations of an illness (Lopes-Junior et al., 2015).
Q-2) What is the scope of the theory?
The theory can be applied to a wide range of symptoms that occur due to various illnesses.
Q-3) What were the origins of the theory?
The theory originated from observed similarities in symptoms manifesting in different illnesses
and the need for ameliorating the symptoms.
Q-4) What are the major concepts?
The concepts of the theory include symptoms that are manifested by a person, influencing
factors, which bring about, or affect the symptoms and performance outcomes (Gomez et al.,
2019).
Q-5) What are the theoretical propositions?
The symptoms experienced by a patient directly influence their cognitive, physical and social
functioning
Symptoms can occur singly, or several symptoms can be experienced at once. The extent of the
effects of symptoms increases with the number of symptoms.
Q-6) What are the major assumptions?
The theory assumes that people in different circumstances can have symptoms that are alike and
that symptoms are individual phenomena, which occur in both the contexts of family and
community

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THEORY OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS
Q-7) What is the context for use?
The theory has been used both in the family and community contexts.
Q-8) Are the concepts theoretically and operationally defined? Why or why not?
Yes. To facilitate research of the symptoms and how to best treat, prevent or alleviate them
Q-9) Are statements defined? Why or why not?
Yes. To enable the understanding of how the components are related to each other, and therefore
facilitate the development of preventive measures to correct the symptoms.
Q-10) Are linkages explicit? Explain your answer.
Linkages are explicit. The model clearly shows how the concepts affect the performance
outcome of a patient. A decrease in the level of performance is registered more when all the three
concepts interact with one another.
Q-11) Is the theory logically organized? Explain your answer.
Yes. The development of the theory begun with the study of particular symptoms to develop a
concept. Further research was then done to build upon the concept, which resulted in a theory.
Q-12) Is there a model/diagram? Why or why not?
Yes. The model helps one understand how the influencing factors relate to and interact with
each other.
Q-13) Are the concepts, statements, and assumptions consistent? Why or why not?
Yes. The consistency is because the theory is based on observable traits and how they can be
influenced by the environment, and how the symptoms can be curbed.
Q-14) Are outcomes or consequence stated or predicted?
They are predicted.

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Q-15) Is the theory congruent with current nursing standards? Nursing interventions?
The theory is compatible with the qualities of nursing. The purpose of the theory is to help
nurses come up with solutions that will alleviate a patient’s symptoms. The sole objective of
nursing is to make the patient as comfortable as possible, and therefore whatever action they
take, is usually geared towards achieving this goal.
Q-16) Has the theory been tested? Is it supported by research? Explain your answer.
Yes. Multiple studies have supported the fact that in a patient with two or more symptoms, the
symptom experiences from one symptom is related to that from another.
Q-17) Is there evidence that the theory has been used? Is it socially or culturally relevant?
Explain your answer.
Yes. Motl and McAuley, as cited by Haas, Nguyen , and Pugh (2017), applied the theory in
examining symptom clusters of fatigue, depression, and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Q-18) Does the theory contribute to nursing? What are implications for nursing related to
implementation of the theory?
Yes, it enables nurses to survey the various factors that affect the care of patients and devise
appropriate interventions to control the symptoms. Nursing is concerned with caring for the
patient and making them comfortable. Therefore it is crucial for the caregiver to recognize the
factors that impact the patient’s symptom experience in order to implement preventive measures
and optimize performance outcomes
Q-19) How would you use the theory in a research study or in practice?

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THEORY OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS
I would use the theory to guide the way I would administer and prescribe drugs. I would probe a
patient to understand how the influencing factors impact on the symptoms and use the
knowledge in the treatment of the patient.

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References
I Gomes GLL, Oliveira FMRL, Barbosa KTF, Medeiros ACT, Fernades MGM, Nóbrega MML.
Theory of unpleasant symptoms: critical analysis. Texto Contexto Enferm [Internet]. 2019 [cited
YEAR MONTH DAY]; 28:e20170222. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1980-265X-
TCE-2017-0222
Haas, R. E.,Nguyen J, and Pugh L, (2017). The Application of the Theory of Unpleasant
Symptoms to the Education and Practice of Nurse Anesthetists. Nursing & Healthcare
International Journal
Lopes-Júnior, L. C., Bomfim, E. D. O., Nascimento, L. C., Pereira-da-Silva, G., & Lima, R. A.
G. D. (2015). Theory of unpleasant symptoms: support for the management of symptoms in
children and adolescents with cancer. Revista gaucha de enfermagem, 36(3), 109-112.