Health - a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease
or infirmity
Illness - the unique response of a person to a disease; an abnormal process involving changed level of
functioning
Wellness - an active state of being healthy by living a lifestyle promoting good physical, mental, and
emotional health
Acute Illness - Generally has a rapid onset of symptoms and lasts only a relatively short time
Acute Illness Example - appendicits
pneumonia
diarrhea
common cold
Chronic Illness - - broad term that encompasses many different physical and mental alterations in health
- slow onset
- may have periods of remission and exacerbation
- is a permanent change.
- it causes, or is caused by, irreversible alterations in normal anatomy and physiology
- requires special patient education for rehabilitation.
- requires a long period of care or support
Chronic Illness Examples - diabetes mellitus
lung disease
arthritis
,lupus
Stages of Illness Behavior - Stage 1: Experiencing symptoms
Stage 2: Assuming the sick role
Stage 3: Assuming a dependent role
Stage 4: Achieving recovery and rehabilitation
in stage 2 of illness behavior: assuming the sick role. - A person who defines oneself as sick and self-
medicates or visits a doctor is said to be
Health Disparity - particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or
environmental disadvantage
- disparities in health outcomes are especially common in racial and ethnic minorities, in whom higher
rates of obesity, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and AIDS are seen
Factors Influencing Health Disparities - Racial and ethnic groups
Poverty
Gender; age
Mental health
Educational level
Disabilities
Sexual orientation
Health insurance and access to health care
Factors Affecting Health and Illness - Basic human needs
The human dimensions
Self-concept
Risk factors for illness or injury
Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs - physiologic
,safety and security
love and belonging
self-esteem
self actualization
Physiologic Needs - Oxygen: most essential
Water
Food
Elimination
Temperature
Sexuality
Physical activity
Rest
Safety & Security Needs - - second in priority
- have both physical and emotional components
- being protected from potential or actual harm
Examples of interventions to meet these needs:
- using proper hand hygiene to prevent infection
- using electrical equipment properly
- administering medications knowledgeably
Love & Belonging Needs - - 3rd priority needs, often called higher-level needs
- understanding and acceptance of others in both giving and receiving love
- feeling of belonging to groups such as families, peers, friends, a neighborhood, and a community.
- unmet needs produce loneliness and isolation
Example of interventions to meet these needs:
, - including family and friends in care of a patient
- establishing a trusting nurse-patient relationship
Self-Esteem Needs - - need for a person to feel good about oneself, to feel pride and a sense of
accomplishment, and to believe that others also respect and appreciate those accomplishments
- positive self-esteem facilitates the person's confidence and independence
Factors affecting self-esteem:
- role changes
- body image changes
Self-Actualization Needs - - acceptance of self and others as they are
- focus of interest on problems outside oneself
- ability to be objective
- feelings of happiness and affection for others
- respect for all people
- ability to discriminate between good and evil
- creativity as a guideline for solving problems and pursuing interests
Which patient need has the highest priority?
A patient who needs to ambulate to prevent DVT
A patient who is in isolation and feels lonely
A patient who recently lost her husband
An elderly patient who is at risk for falls - Answer: A. A patient who needs to ambulate to prevent DVT
Rationale: Preventing DVT is a physiologic need and is the highest priority need. A patient in isolation
might have unmet love and belonging needs (3rd in priority). A patient who lost a spouse might have
unmet self-esteem needs (4th in priority). A patient who is at risk for falls might have unmet safety and
security needs (2nd in priority).
Family - any group of people who live together and depend on one another for physical, emotional, and
financial support
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