Basic Human Needs

Question 1

Oxygen

Answer 1

• most essential of all basic survival needs

- a person will die in a matter of minutes w/o oxygen

Question 2

Water and Fluids

Answer 2

• necessary to sustain life
• can survive only a few days w/o water, although certain conditions may alter this length of time
• hot climate - need more water and fluids
• fluids in the body must be in balance

Question 3

Food and Nutrients

Answer 3

• necessary to maintain life, although the body can survive for several days or weeks without food
• poor nutritional habits, inability to chew or swallow, nausea and vomiting, food allergies, refusal to eat, and overeating pose threats to a client’s nutritional status

Question 4

Elimination of Waste Products

Answer 4

• essential for life and comfort
• lungs eliminate CO2 and water
• skin eliminates water and sodium
• kidneys eliminate fluids and electrolytes
• intestines discharge solid wastes and fluids

Question 5

Sleep and Rest

Answer 5

• important in maintaining health
• amount of sleep varies due to factors such as pregnancy, age, and general health
• absence of sleep is not immediately life threatening but can cause various disorders

Question 6

Activity and Exercise

Answer 6

• stimulates both the mind and body
• exercise helps maintain the body’s structural integrity and health by enhancing circulation and respiration
• needed to maintain optimum health

Question 7

Sexual Gratification

Answer 7

• important but may be sublimated

- not vital to the survival of the individual, but vital to the survival of the species

Question 8

Temperature Regulation

Answer 8

• human body functions within a relatively narrow survival range of temperatures
• 35 Celsius to 41 Celsius
• “Normal oral temp” = 37 Celsius
• 95 Fahrenheit to 106 Fahrenheit
• “Normal oral temp” = 98.6 Fahrenheit

Question 9

Security and Safety Needs

Answer 9

• safe environment is one where the likelihood of a person becoming ill or injured is reduced to the lowest degree of possibility
• where people can function safely and obtain a sense of security
• Maslow ranks safety and security as second priority

Question 10

Freedom from Harm

Answer 10

• people must feel safe and secure, both physically and emotionally
• feel free from harm, danger, and fear
• predictability, stability, familiarity
• financial security