From the Guidelines
According to Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships, the resource role of nurses is best described as answering questions and interpreting data from a recently published clinical study. In this role, the nurse functions as an information provider who helps patients understand complex medical information. The resource role involves translating technical knowledge into understandable terms for patients, providing factual information about health conditions, and clarifying data from research or diagnostic tests. This differs from Peplau's other nursing roles such as the teacher role (educating patients about their condition), the leadership role (providing training to colleagues), or the counselor role (offering guidance for lifestyle changes). When functioning in the resource role, nurses bridge the knowledge gap between healthcare science and patient understanding, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care by providing them with accurate, relevant information interpreted in a way they can comprehend and apply to their situation. Some studies, such as 1, have shown that educational interventions are effective in improving professional knowledge and practice outcomes, but the resource role is more focused on providing information and interpreting data rather than educating or training. Key aspects of the resource role include:
- Providing factual information about health conditions
- Clarifying data from research or diagnostic tests
- Translating technical knowledge into understandable terms for patients
- Empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care Overall, the resource role is a critical component of Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships, and nurses who function in this role play a vital part in promoting patient understanding and autonomy.
From the Research
Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relationships
The resource role of nurses, as described by Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships, involves providing guidance, support, and education to patients to help them manage their health conditions.
- Provides guidance and encouragement to a diabetes patient to make lifestyle changes: This option best describes the resource role of nurses, as it involves providing support and guidance to patients to help them manage their health conditions, such as diabetes 2, 3.
- Educates a patient with hypertension on the importance of medication adherence: While this option is an important aspect of nursing care, it does not specifically describe the resource role of nurses in Peplau's theory 4, 5.
- Provides training to fellow nurses on conducting a physical examination: This option describes a role that is more related to education and professional development, rather than the resource role of nurses in Peplau's theory.
- Answers questions and interprets data from a recently published clinical study: This option describes a role that is more related to research and education, rather than the resource role of nurses in Peplau's theory.
Key Aspects of the Resource Role
The resource role of nurses involves: