Risk for shock in people with acute myocardial infarction: a middle-range theory

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Cardiology
• Medical Theory Development

Background:

• Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presents a significant risk for patients developing shock.
• Accurate diagnostic reasoning is crucial for timely intervention in AMI patients at risk for shock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a middle-range theory for the nursing diagnosis of "Risk for shock" in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
• To establish theoretical-causal validity for the identified risk.

Main Methods:

• The study employed a six-stage theory construction approach.
• Key stages included defining conceptual models, main concepts, and developing a pictorial diagram.
• Propositions and causal relationships were established for theoretical-causal validity.

Main Results:

• Three essential attributes of the risk for shock were identified.
• Twenty-three clinical antecedents contributing to the risk for shock were determined.
• Eight theoretical propositions and causal relationships were formulated.

Conclusions:

• The developed middle-range theory establishes clear relationships between theoretical concepts and clinical practice.
• The theory's propositions and causal relationships support nurses' diagnostic reasoning processes.
• This framework enhances the ability to predict and manage the risk for shock in AMI patients.