Nursing has studied anxiety in the context of how we see clinical manifestations of this condition, how we can treat and work with individuals that have anxiety. Nursing theory is more generalized on the topic so it can be applied to many different situations dealing with the concept, in this case anxiety. The focus of the theory is always on the person and how to better understand, learn from, and grow from the issue.
Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relationships (2004) is a theory that relates the importance of interpersonal communication between a nurse and the patient to the beneficial outcome of nursing. It details the three phases in which a nurse-patient relationship is formed and the associated challenges. Peplau …show more content…
Anxiety is a feeling that can be experienced by the nurse or the patient. In the process of building this relationship between the nurse and the patient, anxiety may become a complication. If the nurse feels anxious, this feeling may be felt by the patient who in turn might exhibit these same feelings back in response. When the patient is feeling anxious it is important for the nurse to let that patient feel that way. The nurse cannot start returning those feelings because the patient is exhibiting symptoms of anxiety but instead needs to show compassion and understanding. With patients experiencing anxiety, therapeutic communication is needed. This type of communication conveys physical and emotional well-being while providing support and information to the …show more content…
In an emergency situation the nurse in still interacting with the patient but only for a brief amount of time. The situation is usually critical, so the nurse needs to access the information needed from the patient in a meaningful and time appropriate way. A large amount of patients that go to the emergency room are there for mental illnesses and drug related problems. Since patients with drug issues may be in the emergency department frequently, they may experience anxiety over this. The nurse needs to show compassion and understanding each time the patient comes to the emergency department and labeling a patient a “frequent flyer” can lead to a negative perception of the visit from the patient and lead to mistrust (Senn,