What is a key outcome of applying Peplau's theory in practice?

What is a key outcome of applying Peplau's theory in practice?

• A. Increased patient isolation.
• B. No impact on patient anxiety.
• C. Increased nursing workload without outcome change.
• D. A therapeutic relationship that reduces anxiety and improves patient outcomes.

Answer: (D)

Peplau’s theory centers on the nurse–patient interpersonal process as the vehicle for care. In practice, the key outcome is the development of a therapeutic relationship through skilled communication and presence, which helps identify and manage the patient’s anxiety and mobilize their coping resources. As this relationship unfolds through the nurse’s roles—confidant, resource, teacher, counselor—the patient feels understood and supported, which reduces anxiety and enables active participation in care. That reduction in anxiety is linked to clearer communication, better adherence to treatment, safer care, and overall improved outcomes like quicker recovery and higher satisfaction. Taken together, the emphasis on a genuine nurse–patient connection, guided by attentive listening, empathy, and clear information, is what makes anxiety better managed and outcomes better. The other ideas—increasing isolation, having no impact on anxiety, or simply increasing workload without changing outcomes—do not align with Peplau’s view that relational care and anxiety management are central to effective nursing practice.

Peplau’s theory centers on the nurse–patient interpersonal process as the vehicle for care. In practice, the key outcome is the development of a therapeutic relationship through skilled communication and presence, which helps identify and manage the patient’s anxiety and mobilize their coping resources. As this relationship unfolds through the nurse’s roles—confidant, resource, teacher, counselor—the patient feels understood and supported, which reduces anxiety and enables active participation in care. That reduction in anxiety is linked to clearer communication, better adherence to treatment, safer care, and overall improved outcomes like quicker recovery and higher satisfaction.

Taken together, the emphasis on a genuine nurse–patient connection, guided by attentive listening, empathy, and clear information, is what makes anxiety better managed and outcomes better. The other ideas—increasing isolation, having no impact on anxiety, or simply increasing workload without changing outcomes—do not align with Peplau’s view that relational care and anxiety management are central to effective nursing practice.