The central focus of Virginia Henderson's theory is:

BTSC Staff Nurse 31 July-2025

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 31 July-2025

Explanation

Virginia Henderson's nursing theory is famously known as the 'Need Theory'.
The central focus is on the universal 14 basic human needs that are essential for health.
The nurse's role is defined as assisting the patient in performing these activities if they cannot do so independently.
The ultimate goal of this assistance is to help the patient regain their independence as quickly as possible.

Option A: While interdisciplinary collaboration is a vital aspect of modern nursing practice, it is not the unique or central focus of Henderson's theory. Her model is primarily patient-centric, focusing on the nurse's role in helping the patient meet their own needs.
Option C: The emphasis on environmental factors as the primary agent of healing is the hallmark of Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory, not Henderson's.
Option D: This option describes the domain of developmental psychology. Theories by figures like Erik Erikson (psychosocial stages) or Jean Piaget (cognitive development) focus on these aspects. While relevant to holistic nursing, it is not the core of Henderson's model.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Virginia Henderson's Need Theory as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Henderson's 14 needs provide a practical framework for nursing assessment and care planning. Nurses can systematically check if each need is being met and plan interventions accordingly.
This theory empowers nurses to focus on promoting patient independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which is a cornerstone of rehabilitation and discharge planning.
What if? If a patient is unconscious, the nurse's role shifts from 'assisting' to 'doing for' the patient. The nurse completely takes over meeting all 14 needs, with the constant goal of restoring function so the patient can eventually regain independence.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Virginia Henderson's theory'.
This is a recall-based question that requires you to remember the central concept of a specific nursing theorist.
Mentally access your knowledge about major nursing theories. Associate Henderson with '14 basic needs' and 'patient independence'.
Evaluate each option. Option A (collaboration) is a general principle. Option C (environment) points directly to Florence Nightingale. Option D (psychosocial development) points to theorists like Erikson.
Select the option that directly matches the core concept of Henderson's theory, which is the 14 basic human needs.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 1055-1057

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 67-69