[Coping: a concept analysis].

Hundreds of studies have been conducted by nuring researchers on stressors requiring coping. Unfortunately, the concept of coping is poorly defined. This paper presents a conceptual analysis of the phenomenon of coping. Within the classic framework developed by Walker and Avant (1995), coping is analyzed and critical attributes are distilled. A model case, a related case and a contrary case are constructed as conceptual clarity is established. Empirical referents that exemplify the concept of coping are identified. The concept analysis provides a forum for dialectics, offering one defensible interpretation of a complex human occurrence. The implications for nursing are discussed in the conclusion.

[An experience of taking care of an adolescent spinal surgery patient suffering from scoliosis].

This case report describes the experience of taking care of an adolescent (nineteen year-old) girl, who needed spinal surgical treatment because of scoliosis. The author assessed the patient's condition by observation, interview, and the Gordon 11-item functional health pattern assessment guide. Because she had had no previous surgical experience, and faced changes in her bodily appearance, the adolescent had physical and psychological problems, such as acute pain, self-care deficit, anxiety, and body image disturbance. Besides applying professional knowledge and technical ability, to alleviate the discomfort caused by the young lady's surgery, the author used caring, listening and empathy to encourage and support her in learning self-care, to accept her change in body image, and to overcome the impact of the disease. Through this nursing process, the author came to understand that nurses must concern themselves with both physical problems and mental needs in order to provide holistic health care.