Application of Neuman's framework: infant exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how Neuman's systems model can be applied to nursing practice and research through the examination of the problem of infant exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. By operationalizing Neuman's framework, it was possible to develop a research-based theory investigating the interaction between the infant's physiological variable and the environment. A nursing process tool and theoretical model developed from Neuman's framework are utilized to examine the problem. Further theory development could identify relationships among Neuman's other variables and create a theoretical basis for providing holistic nursing care to infants exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.