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Topic 1-1
Basic Human Needs and Principles of Health

Health is one of our most precious possessions. The preservation of health is met through the satisfaction of our basic human needs. Understanding the basic needs of people, therefore, is essential for the practical nurse in planning for and meeting the needs of the patient.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

• Identify basic concepts of health.
• Identify basic human needs.
• Identify examples of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Select a Lesson:

	Basic Principles of Health
	Basic Human Needs

Remember that human needs are not constant; they are fluid and changing with first one, then another, taking priority. What may start as a basic need for food can take on social and personal significance. Your care plan as well as your patience are aimed toward the satisfaction of the patient's needs. He has common needs because he is a person; he has individual needs because he is unique; he has special needs because he is sick. The Practical Nurse supplies the help that is required to meet the patient's needs during the stressful periods of hospitalization and recuperation.

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