Introduction
Undergoing surgery is both frightening and intriguing. Traditionally, people go for surgery to improve their health. However, several people also go for surgery to improve their image and beauty. As a patient advocate, I witness numerous surgeries at my organization. While some women come for mastectomy, others come for plastic surgery. Mothers who come for mastectomy go through complex psychosocial processes. Most women who come for mastectomy tend to be frightened. They usually need reassurances from nurses and family members. I encourage patients to exercise high self-esteem even after surgery. This paper will explore the case study on a woman who underwent mastectomy (Kelly, 2008).
Concepts from the various theories, which could be used in planning the 65-year-old woman’s care
Psychosocial theories work to explain the influence of society on one’s life. Self-esteem is influenced by interactions with society. A 65-year-old woman who undergoes mastectomy requires support from family members as well as nurses. Usually, old women feel neglected because they are not active in networking with friends and relatives. Moreover, at this age, they are usually less productive. This also influences their interaction with society. Care for a 65-year-old woman is, therefore, quite complex. A holistic approach to care should be adopted. Moreover, nurses should be fully committed to improving the woman’s personality and self-esteem. She should feel loved and cared for during and after the surgery (McEwen & Wills, 2010).
How her care might be changed if the woman were 25 years old or 45 years old
Middle-aged women are usually active in social circles. They network widely among friends and families. When a woman between 25 years and 45 years undergoes a mastectomy, she requires support from her family and friends as well as nurses. It should also be noted that such an activity has a great impact on her life because she is still productive. The feeling is usually unthinkable. However, nurses need to help her through the process as well as after the process. Love, commitment, and care should be fostered to boost the woman’s self-esteem (McEwen & Wills, 2010).
How social psychology theories have been used in promoting breast cancer awareness
Psychosocial theories have been essential in boosting patient confidence to undergo mastectomy. Theories that foster care, love, commitment, and a holistic approach have enabled women to face mastectomy with confidence without fear of rejection. Nonetheless, it should be noted that during the exercise, most women are usually traumatized because of emotional factors like image and reaction. However, psychosocial theories have been utilized effectively to promote awareness of breast cancer through practice. Additionally, more women have been drawn to breast cancer awareness through effective caregiving and education (Ford & Airhihenbuwa, 2010).
How social psychology theories have been used in your clinical practice area
I have experienced captivating and heart-wrenching situations with patients who undergo mastectomy. Postoperative experiences have been worrisome because patients realize that parts of their bodies have changed. Coping with postoperative issues has been difficult for patients. However, psychosocial theories have enabled us to handle situations with love and compassion. Our organization has also encouraged members of staff and family to encourage patients to boost their morale and self-esteem (Carnegie & Kiger, 2009).
Conclusion
Patients who undergo mastectomy experience grieving moments after the operation. Most of them regret the experience. In fact, several patients lose morale and self-esteem. However, as a patient advocate, I have implemented psychosocial theories in my organization to help deal with depression in women undergoing mastectomy. Additionally, I have encouraged staff, family members, and friends of patients to support them before, during, and after mastectomy. This is essential in boosting their self-esteem.
References
Carnegie, E. & Kiger, A. (2009). Being and doing politics: An outdated model or 21st century reality? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(9), 1976–1984. Web.
Ford, C. L. & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2010). Critical race theory, race equity, and public health: Toward antiracism praxis. American Journal of Public Health, 100(S1), S30–S35. Web.
Kelly, C. (2008). Commitment to health theory. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 22(2), 148–160.
McEwen, M. & Wills, E. (2010). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (3rd ed.). New York City, NY: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.