Patients?? descriptions of the influence of tiredness and weakness on self-care abilities

Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing includes symptoms experienced by patients as a component of health state that influence self-care agency (S-CA). Nursing care plans reflect this relationship, but there are no supporting data. The purpose of this descriptive study (part of a larger study, US PHS Grant No. 5 R01 NUO 1154–02), was to examine the relationship between self-reported symptoms and S-CA perceived by patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy (CT). Telephone interviews were conducted with 20 patients averaging six cycles of CT. The interview schedule developed by the authors utilized open-ended questions regarding self-care (S-C) and symptomatology. Major themes were then identified and verified through subsequent interviews. Tiredness and weakness were identified as the symptoms that most interfered with S-C activities. Thus, informants limited their expenditure of energy by (a) planning/scheduling activities and work, (b) decreasing nonessential activities, and (c) increasing dependence on others for home management. Findings suggest a relationship between S-CA and health state. Further quantitative and qualitative research is needed for validation. Findings are applicable in nursing practice to assist new patients in coping with S-C deficits resulting from CT.