Thesis: The main contribution of D. Orem's self-care theory is that, using adequate methods, it leads the nurses to respect patients' own conception of self-care. Key words: Patient - nurse relationships, Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, D. E. Orem, human actions, respect for autonomy, NANDA taxonomy, non-compliance, responsibility. This dissertation thesis deals with the issues of a relationship between a patient and a healthcare worker, or more precisely a nurse, all from the point of view of patient self-care in the sense of deliberate action that is conducted by the patient for the purpose of sustaining their health and realizing their life plans. Ethical aspects of Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory consist in the approach to a person that emphasizes the human nature of a human being that develops within the community - among other people, that becomes unique and that cares about their own being. Self-care deficit nursing theory is compared to NANDA taxonomy II with respect to a patient's autonomy. Both approaches to nursing care are studied from the point of view of their assumptions, theoretical basis, the diagnostic process, communication, personal competence of nurses and the aims of health care. Attention is also paid to the situations when a patient is not willing to take part in the...