Anxiety in Post Open-Heart Patients

Concept analysis of Anxiety

For many decades nursing has been developing tools to assist with development of theoretical and conceptual bases. Concept analysis has been identified by Walker and Avant (2005) as encouraging communication within the discipline it is being research in. Walker and Avant (2005) also point out that “the results of the concept analysis, the operational definition, the antecedents, and the defining attributes can provide scientists with an excellent beginning for a new tool or an excellent way to evaluate an old one” (p.64). Walker and Avant (2005) based their process on a “simplified” version of Wilson’s (1963) concept analysis procedure whereby there were 11 steps. Walker and Avant (2005) have condensed this process to 8 steps. For this particular concept analysis this is the process that will be used. The current nursing diagnosis “anxiety” will be used in this study as set forth by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association.

Selection of the Concept

Within Walker and Avant (2005) the selection of a concept is the first step with concept analysis. With selection of a concept choice is important as it relates to the research within the area of interest. The concept needs to build on the phenomenon of concern within the discipline. With this in mind the concept of “anxiety” is in need of being examined as it relates to the post open-heart population. A tool is needed to identify anxiety associated specifically with the post open-heart patient in mind. Moreover anxiety has been scientifically researched and is in need of careful analysis for this population (Anjali & Ulrich, 2007; Akansel & Kaymaki, 2007; Christensen, 2007). The tool proposed is the Subjective Unit Discomfort Scale (Wolp...

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...d pressure, heart rate or respirations as well as light-headedness and dizziness.

Table 1

Empirical Referents of Anxiety

Physiological

Parasympathetic_ _________________Sympathetic________________

Nausea Increased blood pressure Dry mouth

Diarrhea Increased pulse Headaches

Frequent urination Increased respirations Restlessness

Dizziness Perspiration Pacing

Light-headedness Flushing Pupil dilation

Dyspnea Insomnia/nightmares

Behavioral_________

Expressions of helplessness Preoccupation

Feelings of inadequacy Rumination

Crying Inability to problem-solve

Difficulty concentrating Trembling

Conclusion

The information derived from this concept analysis will be used to develop an instrument to further the validation of environmental noise in post open-heart patients in the acute care setting.