NURSING THEORY

The study utilized the 14 Basic Human Needs by Virginia Henderson. According Henderson, a person is an individual who requires assistance to achieve health and independence or in some cases, a peaceful death. She introduced the concept o the mind body and body of a person as inseparable. For a person to function to the utmost, he must be able to maintain physiological and emotional balance. Health is viewed as a quality of life and is very basic for a person to function fully. As a vital need, health requires independence and interdependence. It is influenced by both internal and external factors which play independent and interdependent roles in achieving heath. She also gave emphasis in prioritizing health promotion as more important than care of the sick. It is the responsibility of the nurse to help the patient manage his surroundings to protect him from harm or any mechanical injury. In assuming this role, the nurse must be educated about the safety and must be aware of different social customs and religious practices to assess dangers. The nurse cares for both the sick and well individual. The care given by the nurse must empower the patient to gain independence as rapidly as possible. 14 Fundamental Needs of Humans Breathing normally Eating and drinking adequately Eliminating body wastes Moving and maintaining a desirable position Sleeping and resting Selecting suitable clothes Maintaining body temperature by adjusting clothing and modifying the environment Keeping the body clean and well groomed to promote integument (skin) Avoiding dangers in the environment and avoiding injuring others Communicating with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears or opinions Worshipping according to ones faith Working in such way that one feels a sense of accomplishment Playing or participating in various forms of recreation Learning, discovering or satisfying the curiosity that leads to normal development and health, and using available health facilities.

The patient underwent major surgical procedure. Postoperatively, she needs continuous care to be restored with the basic human needs. She cannot function independently thus, needs assistance in meeting her basic needs. There, enters the role of the nurse in helping the patient achieve health and independence. In a situation where the patient cannot meet his basic needs, the nurse serves as a

helper to accomplish them. Since the needs are needed to achieve health, the nurse focuses her attention in assisting the patient meet these needs so as to regain independence as quickly as possible. As assigned student nurses to care for the client, its our responsibility to help the client in achieving optimum health and independence. The student nurses performed self-care measures to the patient like providing AM care, help her to compensate for self-care limitations through assisting during changing of clothes, assist her in her daily routine as well as providing well ventilated, safe and conducive environment for rest and sleeping. Health teachings about self-care, skin care, prevention of infection, ambulation, keeping a safe environment and prevention of post-op complications was provided, with emphasis on the importance of support and encouragement from the family members, to help the patient regain strength and independence as early as possible.

HEALTH TEACHING
HEALTH PERCEPTION AND MAINTENANCE Provided knowledge that being healthy doesnt only pertains to physical aspect of a person but as well as her mental and emotional well being. Instructed to take prescribed medications on time after discharge and strictly comply to follow up check-ups. NUTRITION AND METABOLIC Encouraged to take nutritious, high-protein diet, if tolerated, supplemented by vitamins of the B complex and others as indicated including vitamin A, C, K and folic acid. Instructed to comply to her prescribed diet. Instructed to drink water frequently as tolerable. ELIMINATION Encouraged to defecate each time the urge is felt, as soon as she regain her bowel movement. Encouraged to report difficulties and pain when urinating or defecating. ACTIVITY/EXERCISE Encouraged to have frequent ambulation once tolerated. Encouraged and assisted in turning side to side, which could help in preventing problems such as pneumonia and pressure ulcers. Encouraged to increase activity gradually within tolerable limit, after nutritional status improves and strength increases. Instructed to ask for assistance when getting out of bed when not tolerated. Instructed and assisted family members to perform range of motion exercises to the patient. Instructed patients relatives to make sure that side rails are always up to prevent falls. SELF PERCEPTION Provided information for assessing impact of changes in appearance, sexual function, and role on the patient and family Encouraged to verbalized reactions and feelings about the changes in her physical body. Encouraged and assisted patient in decision making about care. ROLES AND RELATIONSHIP Encouraged verbalization of feelings to family members. Encouraged family members to always be with the client, to provide support and care. Encouraged family members to do minimal assistance, if activities are tolerated by the client, to help the client feel the regain in independence. VALUES AND BELIEFS Encouraged to always pray and ask for strength and encouragement. Encouraged to read the bible every start and end of the day. Encouraged to attend mass every Sunday

References
Books: Textbook on Nursing Diagnosis Reference Manual seventh edition by Sparks and Taylor Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 11th edition by Brunner and Suddarth Volume II Medical Surgical Nursing 8th edition by Black and Hawks Volume II Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 6th edition by Seeley, Stephen and Tate Health Assessment and Physical Examination 3rd edition by Estes Nursing Theories in the Philippines by Octaviano Nursing 2003 Drug Handbook 23th edition Springhouse Williams and Wilkins 2009 and 2010 Lippincotts Nursing Drug Guide by Karch Merriam-Websters Medical Dictionary

WEBSITES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectal Cancer