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 fowlers, 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 cant 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 watchers 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 ones faith. I put respect to their faith and beliefs
likewise if the patient seeks for prayer, I dont 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.

Reference
1 Potter A Patricia, Perry G Anne (1992) Fundamentals Of Nursing Concepts
Process & Practice 3rd ed. London Mosby Year Book.

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3

Vera, M. ( 2014, August 6). Virginia Hendersons Nursing Need Theory.

Retrieved from http:// nurseslabs. Com/ virginia- hendersons-need-theory/.
August 17, 2015.
Delaune SC,. Ladner PK, Fundamental of nursing, standard and practice, 2nd
edition, Thomson, NY, 2002