A nurse caring for a 78-year-old client recently diagnosed with pneumo

A nurse caring for a 78-year-old client recently diagnosed with pneumonia will find Erikson’s psychosocial development theory most helpful in determining:

1. Which needs the client will typically develop
2. Which coping mechanisms the client will likely use
3. How the client will respond to the respiratory problem
4. How the client and his family will adjust to the stressors

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Developmental theories are important in helping nurses assess and treat a person’s response to an illness. Understanding and being able to apply the concepts of the theory will enable the nurse to determine a variety of generalized information that will assist in providing appropriate nursing care. The other options are only one area of information that is made available when applying Erikson’s psychosocial development theory.