Nursing students are working with clients on a secured Alzheimer’s uni

Nursing students are working with clients on a secured Alzheimer’s unit. Most of the clients are Stage II/III Alzheimer’s disease. Which of the following types of nursing systems, according to Orem’s theory, would be appropriate for this unit?

1. Supportive
2. Educative
3. Partly compensatory
4. Wholly compensatory

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Supportive systems (developmental) are designed for persons who need to learn to perform self-care measures and need assistance to do so. This would not be attainable for this group of clients.
Rationale 2: Educative systems (developmental) are designed for persons who need to learn to perform self-care measures and need assistance to do so. This would not be attainable for this group of clients.
Rationale 3: Partly compensatory systems are designed for individuals who are unable to perform some, but not all, self-care activities. Because the clients are in the end stage of the disease, their ability to care for themselves is greatly diminished. Some would not be able to care for themselves at all.
Rationale 4: Wholly compensatory systems are required for individuals who are unable to control and monitor their environment and process information. This would describe clients with Stage II/III Alzheimer’s–those who need constant supervision and at some point in the near future, total care with all ADLs.