definition of health is most fitting to the concept
of chronic illness. The individual with diabetes
mtist continually adjust to the stressors imposed
by the disease process and must achieve his
maximum potential for daily living despite the
chronicity of his state.
Nursing
Nursing is defined by King as 'a process of
htiman interactions between nurse and client
whereby each perceives the other and the situation;
and through communication, they set
goals, explore means, and agree on means to
achieve goals' (King 1981). This definition is the
foundation for King's theory of goal attainment.
Goal attainment is the end result of the interaction
process between the nurse and patient.
See Figure 1 for the ensuing discussion.
The nurse and patient meet in a health care
situation. Both perceive each other and the situation,
and then make individual judgements
based upon their perceptions. Mental action
results, followed by a reaction to each other.
According to King, the above behaviours are not
directly observable.
Observable behaviours occur in the form of
interaction and transaction. In the interaction
phase, the nurse and patient communicate (verbally
and non-verbally) and information is
exchanged. Through the communication process
concerns and/or problems are identified and