Theory of unpleasant symptoms

Autor: Yamile D. Guevara Portell

Miami Regional University

Advanced Theoretical Perspective for Nursing

Professor: Trigoura, Leanne

February 1, 2023

Theory of unpleasant symptoms

    According to the theory of unpleasant symptoms, symptoms are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Numerous factors influence human health, and it is thus necessary for assessment tools to observe the bio-psychosocial model of symptoms, which includes biological, psychological, and social factors that will facilitate a complete understanding of a patient’s symptoms (Kusnanto et al.,2018). Therefore, when using this theory as a guide, I would look for biological factors, social factors, psychological factors, and symptoms.

    With an assessment tool, I would focus on biological factors associated with disease occurrence, and these may include genetics and physical factors that can be seen, smelt, or felt by the patient. I would conduct physical assessments using observation and touch. I would look for any physical symptoms of diseases in an assessment tool for patient symptoms.          My focus during the assessment would be physical symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and nausea. The assessment tool would also consider the patient’s medical history and past physical developments such as pregnancy or surgeries. The theory of unpleasant symptoms suggests that physical symptoms play a major role in effectively identifying diseases (Xiao et al., 2021).

    I would also look for psychological factors influencing disease progression. In the assessment tool, I would review any psychological symptoms presented by the patient. The theory of unpleasant symptoms maintains that disease symptoms are also influenced by psychological factors such as the emotional state. I would look for emotional symptoms such as stress, anxiety, or depression in the assessment tool for patient symptoms. I would also ask the patient about their present emotional and past emotional status. I would also look for the duration a specific patient has suffered specific symptoms, as this would guide my assessment process. From the assessment tool, I would look into the patients surrounding as psychological factors are also influenced by people within a particular environment. My focus with the assessment tool would be on how a patient copes with specific mental challenges and how frequently they engage in mental health promotion activities.

    The theory of unpleasant symptoms also suggests that social factors influence disease symptoms (Kusnanto et al., 2018). Human beings are generally social creatures, so their disease symptoms may be presented through social factors. I would focus on the patient’s culture on the patient assessment tool as cultural factors could potentially affect their health. I would also focus on the patient’s support system and review how their support system’s quality could affect their health. During an assessment, I would use the assessment tool to inquire about the patient’s living condition, their spiritual and religious practices as well as their family structure.

    When conducting a patient assessment based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms, I would be sure to consider the three aspects of the biopsychosocial model. Researchers have found this model to be an effective assessment approach that addresses different aspects of healthcare with a balanced approach (Kusnanto et al., 2018). This assessment method also promotes a holistic approach to care based not just on physical health but social and psychological health as well.