MY GUIDING THEORY:The 14 Basic Human Needs-Virginia Avenel Henderson

Jeneleth S. Dayaodao

Theories are being taught to nurse learners in the academe primarily to provide knowledge and enable us learners to apply the fundamental concepts in managing our clients. As a nurse learner, I believe that the theory on 14 Basic Human Needs by Virginia Avenel Henderson has provided guidance in my practice. Her four major concepts compose the person who is primarily viewed as an individual who requires assistance to achieve health and independence, health as the quality of life and is very basic for a person to function fully likewise requiring independence and interdependence, environment as the setting in which an individual learns unique pattern of life, and nursing which requires knowledge in both biological and social sciences and must be able to assess basic human needs.

The 14 basic human needs are categorized to physiological, psychological, spiritual, and sociological. The physiological needs include breathe normally, eat and drink adequately, eliminate body waste, move and maintain desirable position, sleep and rest, select suitable clothing, maintain body temperature, and keep body clean and well groomed. In relation to specific situations and experiences, I help achieve these needs to dependent patients. I provide ventilation through slightly opening the window for cool circulating air, administer oxygen inhalation as ordered, positioning to fowler’s, demonstrating proper breathing and monitoring the respiratory to ensure if within normal range. I facilitate food and fluid intake especially if the patient cannot perform the need. In case of patients with nasogastric tube, I ensure they are fed on time as I facilitate their feeding. To patients who cannot manage to go to the comfort room, I assist their elimination through offering the bedpan and urinal. In addition, I reiterate intake of fiber rich food and increasing fluid intake likewise adequate exercise to aid in elimination. I perform repositioning and log rolling to patients who can’t move in order to prevent sores. Also, I cluster my nursing care to promote sleep and rest to my patients. Loose clothing is what I encourage to enable them to move comfortably. To maintain normal body temperature, I keep the environment well ventilated and render TSB to patients who have hyperthermia. To keep their body clean and well groomed I promote hygiene through trimming nails, performing bed bath, oral care and emphasizing hand washing. To provide safety, I look after them, maintained side rails up and kept the watcher’s presence. The psychological need includes communicating to others. I offer my presence to patients for this need my giving meaningful conversations and listening to their opinions. The spiritual need demands worshipping according to one’s faith. I put respect to their faith and beliefs likewise if the patient seeks for prayer, I don’t hesitate to take part. Lastly, the sociological need let them to work at something, participate in various forms of recreation, and to sanctify curiosity. I usually do my part in giving motivations to enable them to have a sense of accomplishment as I offer available health facilities for them to participate in activities.

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