Bio-psychosocial needs
Introduction
Nursing involves meeting the needs of those who have self-care deficits and who are
unable to care for themselves in one or more aspects
The scientific process of nursing allows for the assessment and identification of needs
The scope of practice of a professional nurse allows for the holistic care of an individual
Holistic care encompasses the care of bio-psychosocial needs (the different aspects of a
person’s needs) – health is multidimensional
Bio-psychosocial needs
People have different psychological, social and spiritual dimensions
Draws from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Henderson’s need based theory
Nursing
Nursing involves caring and having compassion for others
Nursing actions are aimed at restoring or maintaining an optimal state of physical,
mental and social wellbeing
Basic human needs remain the same as they constitute the requirements for living
The activity of nursing involves meeting the patient’s needs
Physical needs
Described as the factors required for the optimal physical and physiological functioning
of the body
Includes the physiological processes as well as physical activities and adaption processes
allowing for optimal physical functioning
Need for: oxygen, circulation, fluids and electrolytes, nutrition, elimination of waste
production, temperature regulation, skin integrity, mobility and exercise, hygiene,
comfort and rest, safety, security, sensation and perception and sexuality
Introduction
Nursing involves meeting the needs of those who have self-care deficits and who are
unable to care for themselves in one or more aspects
The scientific process of nursing allows for the assessment and identification of needs
The scope of practice of a professional nurse allows for the holistic care of an individual
Holistic care encompasses the care of bio-psychosocial needs (the different aspects of a
person’s needs) – health is multidimensional
Bio-psychosocial needs
People have different psychological, social and spiritual dimensions
Draws from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Henderson’s need based theory
Nursing
Nursing involves caring and having compassion for others
Nursing actions are aimed at restoring or maintaining an optimal state of physical,
mental and social wellbeing
Basic human needs remain the same as they constitute the requirements for living
The activity of nursing involves meeting the patient’s needs
Physical needs
Described as the factors required for the optimal physical and physiological functioning
of the body
Includes the physiological processes as well as physical activities and adaption processes
allowing for optimal physical functioning
Need for: oxygen, circulation, fluids and electrolytes, nutrition, elimination of waste
production, temperature regulation, skin integrity, mobility and exercise, hygiene,
comfort and rest, safety, security, sensation and perception and sexuality
