Neumann Nursing Theory: A Holistic Approach to Client's Defence to Stressors

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NURSING THEORIES
Contents
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................2
BODY.........................................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................9

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INTRODUCTION
This assignment focuses on one of several nursing theories. Nursing theories help in guiding the
nurses in their work. In this assignment, we will discuss Neumann nursing theory or model
which was proposed by Betty Neumann in 1972 which is a holistic, flexible systemic model
focusing on client's defence to stressors. It is an approach which provides in-depth information
and knowledge of nursing and increasing client’s defence to stressors (Broadbent, 2014).
Neumann wrote a book named the Neumann system model: application to nursing education and
practice including the system model theory which was released in 1972 and has been modified
over the years. In 1989 environment factor was added which was included as the fifth variable in
this theory. The theory is a holistic, flexible system based on patient perspective. It focuses on
how the patient perceives and deals with actual and potential environmental stress. Primary to
tertiary prevention are included in its steps to retain, maintain, attainment and intervention for
holistic treatment of clients. In this assignment, we will discuss and study this theory in detail
and will talk about its application in nursing practice (Alligood, 2014).

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BODY
This theory is a holistic approach where the client is viewed as an open system reacting to both
external and internal stressors. It consists of a basic central stricture which has concentric circles
and each of these concentric circles is made of five variables which are to be considered I a
client. The first variable is physiological which talks about the normal body function and
structure of the client. The second variable is psychological which mentions the mental status
and emotions of the client. Third are the socio-culture which involves relationships and social or
functional culture and activities. Fourth is spiritual where a patient is tested for its spiritual
belief. Fifth is the development which includes the development of a person through his lifetime
and the developmental processes he has gone through (Alligood, 2017).
Structure has a central core which involves basic survival factors which are:
1. Genetic structure
2. Normal temperature range
3. Ego structure
4. Response pattern
5. Organ strength and weakness
The patient is considered as an open system and is constantly changing. Stability happens when
the energy exceeds that of the system. The body is in balance when there are dynamic changes in
feedback, input, output and compensation (Farrell, 2015).
Another important feature of this model is the flexible line of defence. This feature is outer
border of a normal line of defence and the core structure of this model. It protects individual
from various stressors and depends on nutritional status, sleep patterns and quantity and quality
of stress. If this line of defence fails to protect then line of resistance is activated. The normal
line of defence, on the other hand, is usual defence level of the client. It can change depending
on the attitude of a person and also their response towards the environment. The line of
resistance comes into play when external stressors attack the normal line of defence.
Reconstitution is another part of the model that comes into play when environmental stressors
invade or attack the normal line of defence. It can bring the lower level of stability by expanding