Final answer:
The nurse is basing care on Erikson's Psychosocial Development model.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is basing care on Erikson's Psychosocial Development model.
Erikson's Psychosocial Development theory suggests that individuals go through different stages of psychosocial development, and each stage presents unique challenges and tasks that need to be successfully accomplished. The nurse's care for the postoperative patient, such as providing assistance with feeding, hygiene, and catheter care, aligns with Erikson's theory of helping the patient meet their basic needs and promoting their psychosocial well-being.
By addressing the patient's inability to feed themselves and complete basic activities of daily living, the nurse is supporting the patient in developing a sense of autonomy and initiative, which are essential in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.