The 14 needs of Virginia Henderson it is a theory or model that defines the approach to the practice of nursing. It seeks to increase the patient's independence in his recovery to accelerate his improvement during his stay in the hospital.
This theory was developed thanks to the practice and studies of Virginia Henderson, commonly called First Lady of Nursing.
Its emphasis on basic human needs as the central focus of nursing practice has led to the development of many other models in which nurses are taught to assist patients from the point of view of their needs.
According to Henderson, in the beginning a nurse must act for the patient only when they do not have the knowledge, physical strength, will or ability to do things on their own or to carry out the treatment correctly.
The idea is to assist or contribute to the patient's improvement until he himself can take care of himself. It also includes assisting a sick person helping to lead him to a quiet and peaceful death.
The 14 basic human needs according to Henderson
1- Breathe normally
The gaseous exchange of the body is essential for patient health and for life itself.
The nurse should become familiar with the respiratory function of the person and know how to identify the possible disadvantages of this process.
This includes helping with correct postures of the body, being alert to strange noises during breathing and being aware of nasal secretions and mucus.
You should also monitor the frequency and breathing rate, check that the routes are not obstructed, observe the temperature and air circulation of the room, among other aspects.
2- Eat and drink properly
Every organism requires fluids and nutrients for survival. The nurse should be aware of the type of diet and hydration, according to the nutritional requirements of the patient and the treatment ordered by the doctor.
It should take into account the appetite and mood, schedules and quantities, age and weight, religious and cultural beliefs, chewing and swallowing abilities, among others.
3- Normal disposal of body waste
Part of the proper functioning of the body is the normal elimination of feces, urine, sweat, phlegm and menstruation.
The level of control and effectiveness of the patient with respect to their excretory functions must be well known. This point includes the special attention to the hygiene of the intimate parts.
4- Mobility and proper postures
A patient will feel more or less independent to the extent that he can move on his own to carry out his day-to-day activities.
The nurse must help the body mechanics of the person and motivate him to perform physical activity, exercises and sport .
When motivating you, you must take into account the different limitations given by the particular disease, treatment, therapy or body deformities.
5- Sleep and rest
Rest is very important for the quick recovery of the person. Every organism recovers physical and mental forces while it sleeps.
The calm and uninterrupted rest of the patient should be a priority, especially at night.
You should know the rest habits and also the difficulties to fall asleep, as sensitivities to noise, lighting, temperature, among others.
6- Dress and undress normally
Being able to select and wear the clothing that is desired also influences a patient's sense of independence.
Clothing represents identity and personality, but also protects against the elements and cares for individual privacy.
7- Maintain body temperature in normal ranges
The normal body temperature is between 36.5 and 37 ° C. The nurse should be aware of the factors that influence the patient's cold or heat.
The thermoregulation of the body is always accompanied by changes of clothing, the use of sheets and blankets, the opening of windows and doors, drinking water, the use of fans or air conditioners and even taking a shower.
8- Maintain good body hygiene
The way the patient's body is seen, felt and smelled are external signs of his hygiene.
This factor is not only a physiological manifestation; in nursing it is also considered a factor with a lot of psychological value.
When bathing a person, the nurse should consider the frequency of cleaning the body, the means and utensils used, the level of mobility and independence of the patient, among other factors.
9.- Avoid hazards in the environment and avoid endangering others
It is important to know and evaluate very well if the patient can be left alone for a long time, with enough confidence that he will not hurt himself when moving or trying to carry out activities, nor compromise the safety of others.
10- Communicate emotions, needs, fears and opinions
The nurse must be able to promote and motivate healthy and proper communication of the patient, to help their emotional balance.
It is important that the person stays in social interaction with others to also guarantee mental health.
11- Act or react according to one's beliefs
You must respect the values and particular beliefs of the patient. Based on these he makes his decisions and exercises certain actions or thoughts.
Culture and religion are part of the identity of the person. This factor almost always influences the attitude towards death.
12- Developed so that there is a sense of achievement
It is important that the nurse promotes in the patient the scope of goals and achievements with their own effort.
If a patient feels productive and useful, he will have a sense of personal fulfillment that will influence his self-esteem and mental health.
13- Participate in recreational activities or games
The health of the body and mind is also achieved with activities that entertain the patient.
The nurse must know the tastes and interests of the person and motivate him to participate in activities that are motivating.
14- Learn, discover or satisfy personal curiosity
This point is similar to the previous one, but it is based on the sense of the mental productivity of the person when acquiring new knowledge.
Keeping the patient developing skills, skills and knowledge is favorable for health.
In the case of children or young patients, it is important that they keep their academic studies active as much as possible.
References
- Alice Petiprin. Need Theory. Nursing Theory Web. Retrieved from nursing-theory.org
- Gonzalo, A (2011). Virginia Henderson - The Principles and Practice of Nursing. Theoretical Foundations of Nursing. Retrieved from nursingtheories.weebly.com
- College of Allied Medicine (2008). Definition of Nursing and the"14 Components of Nursing Care". COAM - Theoretical Foundations of Nursing. Retrieved from slsu-coam.blogspot.com
- Matt Vera (2014). Virginia Henderson's Nursing Need Theory. Nurse Labs. Recovered from nurseslabs.com
- Eduardo Hernandez Rangel. Basic Needs of Virginia Henderson. Scribd. Retrieved from www.scribd.com
- Atempus (2013). Basic Needs of Virginia Henderson. Observatory of Nursing Methodology. Recovered from ome.es