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NURSING QUESTION Scenario: Susan is a 65-year-old school nurse who has recently

ID: 122511 • Letter: N

Question

NURSING QUESTION

Scenario:

Susan is a 65-year-old school nurse who has recently retired from an elementary school. She is beginning to feel rather lonely now that she is no longer working. She is a widow with adult children living out of the area. Her children have suggested that she may want to move to their city and be closer to her grandchildren. She has been avoiding these discussions with her family and tells them all is fine. Moving seems like a major upheaval to her. Although she has been in fair health physically, at her last visit to the health care provider, she had lost 10 pounds and is just below her desired weight.

Based on Havighurst's developmental task theory:

1. Explain Susan's behavior.

2. State four (4) priority nursing concerns and related nursing interventions for Susan.

Thank you.

Explanation / Answer

Havighurst's Developmental Task Theory

Although many theorists are responsible for contributing to the Developmental Tasks Theory, it was Robert J. Havighurst who elaborated on this theory in the most systematic and extensive manner.

Havighurst’s main assertion is that development is continuous throughout the entire lifespan, occurring in stages, where an individual moves from one stage to the next by means of successful resolution of problems or performance of developmental tasks. These tasks are typically encountered by most people in the culture where the individual belongs.

According to above scenario, Mrs.Susan is a 65 year old lady. So we can apply following behaviour according to the Havighurst developmental theory;

Later Maturity – over 60 years

Nursing concerns

How can nurses assist elders accomplish developmental tasks?

•encourage clients to maintain and establish roles and relationships

•offer maximum opportunities for decision making

•build on client’s unique interests ands skills

•listen to client’s concerns

promote reminiscence