"Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". This was stated by

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer-2024

Explanation

The World Health Organization (WHO) established this foundational definition of health in the preamble to its Constitution, adopted in 1948.
This definition is significant because it promotes a holistic view of health, encompassing complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
It marked a revolutionary shift from a purely biomedical model (where health is simply the absence of disease) to a broader, more comprehensive understanding of human wellness.

Option A: The 'United States Health Agency' is a vague and non-specific term. Global health definitions are established by international bodies, not national ones.
Option B: The National Institute of Health (NIH) is the primary medical research agency in the United States. Its focus is on funding and conducting biomedical research.
Option C: The National League for Nursing (NLN) is a U.S.-based organization dedicated to excellence in nursing education and faculty development.

Visual 1: Infographic: A diagram illustrating the three pillars of the WHO's definition of health: Physical, Mental, and Social Well-being, with examples for each component.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Source of the holistic definition of health helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
This holistic definition is the foundation of modern nursing care, which requires nurses to assess and address not just a patient's physical illness but also their psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
Nurses use this framework to develop comprehensive care plans that promote overall well-being, including patient education, mental health support, and connection to community resources.
What if? If a nurse only considered the 'absence of disease' model, they might discharge a patient who is physically recovered from surgery but is suffering from severe anxiety about returning home. The WHO model compels the nurse to address the mental health component before discharge to ensure a truly healthy outcome.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the quote carefully. Recognize that this is a very famous and foundational definition in public health and nursing.
Second, identify the core of the question: it asks for the specific organization that authored this definition.
Third, evaluate the options by considering the scope and purpose of each organization.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the major international body for public health, making it the most logical source for a globally adopted definition. The other options (NIH, NLN) have more specific, national-level focuses (research, nursing education).
Based on this analysis, conclude that the WHO is the correct source for this global health standard.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Source of the holistic definition of health
Stem keywords: Health, definition, physical, mental, and well being, absence of disease
Lead-in keywords: stated by

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