Module 4: Health Promotion, wellness, and disease prevention

What is the definition of health?

ideal state of physical wellness and mental well-being; complete physical, mental, and social well-being

What should nurses understand about illness?

It is a unique experience to each individual and its usually described in terms of how it makes a person feel.

What is an illness?

a disruption of health; a “unique” response of a person to a disease; changed level of function

What is the definition of wellness?

an active state of being healthy by living a lifestyle promoting good physical, mental, and emotional health

What is the definition of disease?

medical term, referring to pathological changes in the structure or function of the body or mind

What is health-illness continuum?

Health and illness is seen as a graduated spectrum that cannot be divided into parts

What is Dunn’s health grid?

Health that is affected by an individual’s status on the health-illness continuum as well as the environmental conditions

What is Neuman’s continuum?

expression of living energy available to an individual

What factors disrupt health?

• physical disease

• injury

• mental illness

• pain

• loss

• impending death

• competing demands: chronic illness, symptoms that go unnoticed

• the unknown: abruptly occurrence

• imbalance: perceive that life has violated the concept of balance

• isolation: no one understands, sense of loneliness

What are the five stages of illness behavior?

1. experiencing symptoms

2. sick role behavior

3. seeking professional care

4. dependence on others

5. recovery

What is remission?

occurs when symptoms are minimal to none

What is exacerbation?

when symptoms intensify

What are characteristics of a chronic illness?

• a permanent change

• caused by irreversible alterations in normal anatomy/physiology

• requires special pt education 4 rehabilitation

• long period of care or support

• grieve over losses or changes in physical function and structure

what is primary prevention?

needs of healthy clients to promote health and prevent disease with protection

what are examples of primary prevention?

• immunization programs

• child car seat education

• nutrition, fitness activities

• health education in schools

What is secondary prevention?

identifying illness, providing treatment, and conducting activities that help prevent a worsening health status.

What are examples of secondary prevention?

• communicable disease screening, case finding

• early detection, treatment of diabetes mellitus

• exercise programs for older adults who are frail

What is tertiary prevention?

aims to prevent the long-term consequences of a chronic illness or disability and to support optimal functioning

What are examples of tertiary prevention?

• begins after an injury or illness

• prevention of pressure ulcers after spinal cord injury

• promoting independence after a traumatic brain injury

• referrals to support groups

• rehabilitation center