A concept can be theoretical or operational which is described as abstract or concrete. A concept can also be categorized as discrete or on a continuum. This discussion examines the concept of physiological stability. The concept is important to advanced practice nursing because it is able to assess interventions that can assist in maintaining homeostasis. The concept of physiological stability also provides measurable parameters for nursing to “evaluate and or determine the effectiveness of interventions” (Alderson, 2014, 1998). The article uses the analysis method of “Walker and Avant” (Alderson, 2014, p. 1995). Walker and Avant’s approach use the techniques of concept analysis, concept synthesis and concept derivation each …show more content…
58). A conclusion is derived based on the findings of the specific subject matter. The article mentioned is a peer reviewed literary synthesis of physiological stability. “A total of 34 research articles and one book was retained to perform the concepts analysis” (Alderson, 2014, p. 1997).
Concept Analysis
The eight steps of a concept analysis include examination of a “concept purpose, uses, attributes, model case, additional cases, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents” (McEwen, 2014, p. 58). McEwen defines concept analysis as “being conducted on concepts that require clarification or further development as defined for the nurse scholar’s purpose” (McEwen, 2014, p. 58). An examination applying the steps in Walker and Avant’s technique is discussed relative to the nursing concept of physiological stability.
Purpose
Ideally, the articles’ purpose developed “an operational definition to promote a unified use of the concept of physiological stability” (Alderson, 2014, p. 1998). The article is able to identify appropriate uses of the concept by providing examples. One example, stated that physiological stability can be used as a measure to compare nursing interventions. Another example utilizes physiological stability as a characteristic, where it is a condition that is maintained during any given …show more content…
The antecedent is able to translate the concept for clinical practice by making the assumptions of readiness for change. The consequences are the actual outcomes. The article stated two antecedents and two consequences that appeared in the literary synthesis. The antecedents were “elements that can cause physiological instability and a living organism is capable of physiological variations” (Alderson, 2014, p. 2000). The consequences were the “adaptive response and the physiological balance of the organism” (Alderson, 2014, p.