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Concepts of Nursing NUR 123

Concepts of Health & Illness

First Lecture

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Definitions of Health States

Health: a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being, not merely the absence of disease (WHO).

Illness: it is an abnormal process in which the person’s level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level.

Wellness: an active state, oriented toward maximizing the potential of the individual.

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Causes of disease

Inherited genetic defects Exposure to such factors as viruses Biologic agents or toxins Physical agents such as chemicals Generalized tissue responses to injury or

irritation Physiological and emotional reaction to stress Excessive or insufficient production of body

secretion (hormones, enzymes)

4Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Dimensions of Wellness

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The Human Dimensions of Health

Physical dimension — genetic inheritance, age, developmental level, race, and gender.

Emotional dimension — how the mind affects body function and responds to body conditions.

Intellectual dimension — cognitive abilities, educational background, and past experiences.

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The Human Dimensions of Health

Environmental dimension — housing, sanitation, climate, pollution of air, food, and water.

Sociocultural dimension — economic level, lifestyle, family, and culture.

Spiritual dimension — spiritual beliefs and values.

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Models of Health and Illness

The agent-host-environment model

The agent, host, and environment interact in ways that create risk factors.

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Models of Health and Illness

The health-illness continuum:Views health as a constantly changing state with high-

level wellness and death on opposite sides of a continuum

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Types of Illness

Acute illness– Generally has a rapid onset of symptoms and

lasts only a relatively short time– Examples: appendicitis, diarrhea, common cold

Chronic illness – A broad term that encompasses many different

physical and mental alterations– Examples: diabetes mellitus, lung disease, M.I

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Stages of Illness Behavior Stage 1: Experiencing symptoms.

Stage 2: Assuming the sick role.

Stage 3: Medical Care Contact.

Stage 4: Assuming a dependent role.

Stage 5: Achieving recovery and rehabilitation

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Five Stages of Accepting an Illness

Denial

Anger

Fear

Grief

Acceptance

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Five Stages of Accepting an Illness

Not everyone goes through these stages in the same order.

If you believe that you are stuck in one of the first four stages permanently, you may want to consult with a therapist .

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Five Stages of Accepting an Illness

Anger

Anger is normal and can take a long time to work through.

Sometimes a small part of anger stays with you throughout the entire illness.

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Five Stages of Accepting an Illness

Fear

This is the most important stage to work through.

Grief

Grief can cause feelings of inadequacy and lead to withdrawal and isolation.

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Levels of Disease Prevention

Level of disease Prevention

Description Example

Primary preventionPrevent the

occurrence of disease

Health Teaching

diet, exercise, immunizations

Secondary preventionEarly detection and

interventionScreening procedure

Tertiary preventionPrevent further deterioration

(rehabilitation)

Medications, surgical treatment,

rehabilitation