Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders and frequently encountered by family nurse practitioners. Hypothyroidism is defined as failure of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient thyroid hormone to meet the metabolic demands of the body (Al‐jaghbeer, 2012). Untreated hypothyroidism can contribute to hypertension, dyslipidemia, infertility, cognitive impairment, and neuromuscular dysfunction (Gaitonde, 2012).
Data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey suggests that about one in 300 persons in the United States have hypothyroidism. The prevalence increases with age, and is higher in females than in males. It is estimated that nearly 13 million Americans have undiagnosed hypothyroidism (Gaitonde,
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Sister Calista Roy is one of the highest respected nursing theorists, researchers, lecturers and teachers, and she is currently performing as a professor and theorist at the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College (Marlaine, 2015).
Background of model
The Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) has been used for more than 40 years, providing direction for nursing practice, education and research. The first publication on the model appeared in 1970 while Roy was on the faculty of the baccalaureate nursing program. Roy focused on contemporary movements in nursing knowledge and the continued integration of spirituality with an understanding of nursing’s role in promoting and adaptation (Marlaine, 2015).
RAM is entrenched in nursing practice, and is adaptable; demonstrating the ability to respond to the dynamic health needs of persons or groups such as families, communities, or societies. The model’s adaptability and success in improving nursing care and patient outcomes when utilized with varied patient populations, in diverse settings across many different cultures, over decades of time in healthcare, and education (Pamela,