14

FUNDAMENTAL
NEEDS THEORY
VIRGINIA HENDERSON
The nurse is temporarily the consciousness of the
unconscious, the love of life for the suicidal, the leg of
the amputee, the eyes of the newly blind, a means of
locomotion for the infant, knowledge and confidence for
the mother, the mouthpiece for those too weak or
withdrawn to speak and so on.

PERSON

a complete and
independent being with
biological, sociological
and spiritual
components

HEAL
TH
the ability to
perform
independently the
14 basic needs

Health is basic to human

functioning and that
promotion of health is
more important than
care of the sick.

ENVIRON
MENT
the aggregate of the
external conditions and
influences affecting the life
and development of an
organism
-Webster

the effects of 7 components (light,

temperature, air movement,
atmospheric pressure, proper
waste disposal, absence of
injurious chemicals, cleanliness of
surroundings) on the life and
development of a person

NURSI
NG
The unique function of
the nurse is to assist the
individual, sick or well,
in the performance of
activities contributing to
health or its recovery.

14
FUNDAMENTAL
NEEDS

14 FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANS

breathe normally

eat and drink adequately

14 FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANS

eliminate body wastes

move and maintain desirable postures

14 FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANS

sleep and rest

select suitable clothes

14 FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANS

keep the body clean & well groomed

; protect the integument

maintain body
temperature

14 FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANS

avoid dangers
in the environment
and avoid injuring others

communicate with others

14 FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANS

worship
according to ones faith

work in such a way

that there is a sense of
accomplishment

14 FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANS

learn, discover, satisfy
curiosity

HEALTH &
DEVELOPMENT

play or participate in
various forms of
recreation