What is the most commonly cited definition of health?

Question

a. Health is the absence of disease.
b. Health is a function of the physiological state.
c. Health is a state of well-being involving the whole person.
d. Health is the ability to pursue activities of daily living (ADLs).

Answer 1

C

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A Health is considered to be more than merely the absence of disease.
B The definition of health has broadened beyond the physiological state to include mental, social, and spiritual well-being.
C The most commonly cited definition of health is from the World Health Organization and is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." The nurse should consider the total person when formulating a definition of "health." Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.
D An individual who is able to pursue ADLs may not define himself or herself as healthy. Life conditions such as environment, diet, and lifestyle practices may negatively affect one's health long before one is unable to perform ADLs.