A Systematic Outline of Basic Human Needs

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS

I. Physiological Homeostasis A. Oxygenation (The Big O) 1. Patent airway (trachea, bronchus, smaller branches) 2. Ability to move the air in and out of the airway a. Neurological 1) Respiratory Control Centers 2) Connections from brain to muscles b. Chest wall and pleural space intact c. Diaphragm can move 3. Sufficient amounts of oxygen can move across the alveolar membrane a. There is enough alveolar membrane available for diffusion b. All the alveolae that have oxygen in them are adequately perfused 4. There is enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the tissues 5. The heart works well enough to move the oxygen to the tissues 6. There is no blockage between the heart and the tissues that need oxygen B. Fluid and Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance 1. Enough fluid in the body to provide necessary volume in vasculature a. Intake is unimpeded b. Kidneys are able to get rid of excess 2. Fluid has the right balance of cations and anions 3. No excess production of acids (volatile or fixed) a. CO2 is lost via respiration at the same rate it is being producedb. b. Kidneys are able to excrete fixed acids at the rate they are produced C. Nutrition 1. Appropriate intake of calories (in correct balance of carbohydrate, protein, fats) 2. Appropriate intake of vitamins and trace elements 3. Normal digestive processing and absorption of nutrients 4. Maintenance of adequate blood glucose

5. Normal transport of nutrients into cells. (Insulin) D. Elimination 1. Waste products of metabolism eliminated appropriately by liver and kidney 2. Bulk waste product of food intake eliminated normally by bowel E. Rest and Recovery 1. Normal sleep 2. Ability to rest comfortably in balance with normal activity F. Mobility 1. Ability to move all body parts in coordinated fashion 2. Normal weight-bearing capacity 3. Normal balance G. Physiological Safety Systems 1. Functioning cortex (ability to respond appropriately to environment) 2. Special senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste) 3. Appropriate autonomic function 4. Intact skin, mucous membranes and other defensive barriers 5. Functioning immune system 6. Balanced coagulation 7. Intact hypothalamic action a. Endocrine function (thyroid, cortisol etc.) b. Osmo-regulation c. Maintenance of normal body temperature II. Safety and Security (Situational Safety as opposed to physiological safety mentioned above.) A. Prevention of disease and normal health maintenance autonomy B. Regular supply of food and water C. Shelter sufficient to meet basic human needs dependably D. Control over events, predictability of (known) future E. Public Health systems F. Safety from physical violence and abuse G. Civil society, a legal system providing justice III. Love and Belongingness A. Normal affection and intimacy B. Membership in group with shared history and ideology (Roots) C. Placement in family and community IV. Self Esteem A. Competence and mastery B. Earned respect C. Dignity and positive reputation D. Independence E. Respect for others V. Self-Actualization A. Life mission and purpose B. Fulfillment of life goal C. A domain of ones own