[A nurse's experience applying Rotter's locus of control theory in a myocardial infarction patient]

This case report shares the experience of one nurse in applying Rotter's locus of control theory in her care of a myocardial infarction patient. Period of care ran from November 23 to December 1, 2007. The author collected subjective and objective data through observations and interviews with the patient in the ward. Data was analyzed to identify key healthcare problems. These included the inadequate information of the patient on his condition, which negatively influenced health behavior; inadequate health information available; and the flare-up of disease symptoms. Internal locus of control, as presented in Rotter's locus of control theory, was applied to the above nursing problems in order to deliver individualized nursing care to the patient based on mutual trust. Such enhanced patient disease cognition, facilitated his obtaining health information, helped him adjust to disease symptom episodes, and promoted his adjustment to the disease and adoption of more healthy behavior.