THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Theory of Self-Care Deficit

The Self-Care Deficit Theory, developed by nursing theorist Dorothea Orem, is a theory that
explains the importance of self-care for individuals who are unable to take care of themselves. It
argues that individuals have the ability and responsibility to care for themselves and that nursing
should assist individuals in this process. According to the theory, self-care is an essential
component of good health and quality of life. It involves taking responsibility for one’s own
health and well-being by engaging in activities such as maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising
regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

Major assumption of the self-care deficit model is that :

 Individuals have a natural desire and motivation to care for themselves and maintain their
health .
-it reflects the belief that self-care is a fundamental aspect of human nature and that individuals
will generally seek to meet their own self-care needs to the best of their ability.

 Have the ability to identify and understand their own self-care needs.
-it emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-knowledge in maintaining health and
well-being. It suggests that individuals are able to recognize when they are experiencing a self-
care deficit and need assistance in meeting their self-care needs.

 Have the capacity to engage in self-care activities to the extent of their abilities.
-It recognizes that individuals may have varying levels of physical, emotional, and cognitive
abilities, but regardless of their limitations, they can still take an active role in caring for
themselves with the appropriate support and resources.

 Individuals are influenced by their environment and social context in their ability to
perform self-care activities.
 It highlights the importance of considering external factors such as socioeconomic status,
cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare services in understanding an individual’s ability
to meet their self-care needs.
 Nursing interventions can help individuals overcome self-care deficits and promote their
independence in managing their health. This assumption underscores the vital role of
 nurses in assessing individuals’ self-care abilities, providing education and support, and
facilitating the development of self-care skills to enhance their overall well-being.

In this case, we give assistance to our patient who had an Ectopic Pregnancy to provide self-care
and explain her situation or condition which needs proper care and management.During
hospitalization, the patient experiences Abdominal pain ,vaginal bleeding, nausea and
vomiting .Since the patient is weak, nurses and his significant other assisted her, and the fact that
she’s anxious and unable to perform self-care activities independently in promoting his well-
being.The theory is applied to the patient through Dorothea’s Orem major assumptions.

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of
the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube.Ectopic pregnancy could involve examining risk
factors, such as previous pelvic inflammatory disease or tubal surgery, as well as exploring the
role of hormonal imbalances or structural abnormalities in the fallopian tubes. It would be
beneficial to look for the possible effects of early detection techniques, such as blood tests for
hCG levels and transvaginal ultrasound, in lowering complications and enhancing outcomes for
ectopic pregnancies, may also be beneficial. A crucial element of the theoretical framework
pertaining to ectopic pregnancy can also involve comprehending the physiological mechanisms
that lead to the embryo’s incapacity to endure and develop in the anomalous place.

The Self-care deficit model is based on the belief that individuals possess the inclination,
capacity, and drive to attend to their own well-being, although they may need support during
periods of self-care limitations. Through identification and treatment of these deficits, nurses can
significantly contribute to aiding individuals in sustaining their well-being and autonomy.Nurses
can assess and identify self-care deficits in individuals through a comprehensive evaluation
process that involves observing the individual's ability to perform daily activities, assessing their
physical and cognitive capabilities, reviewing their medical history and current health status, and
engaging in open and empathetic communication to understand their needs and challenges. By
conducting a thorough assessment, nurses can gain valuable insights into the individual's self-
care abilities and limitations, which can guide appropriate interventions to address any deficits
and promote optimal well-being.