Final answer:
The definition of health should consider it as a state of well-being involving the whole person, encompassing physical, mental, and social health. This aligns with modern views, such as the WHO's definition of health as a state of complete well-being, rather than simply the absence of disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
When formulating a definition of health, it is important to consider that health, within its current and more comprehensive definition, is not merely the absence of disease. Instead, health is more accurately described as a state of well-being involving the whole person. This includes their physical and mental state that promotes survival and successful reproduction, the ability to perform activities of daily living, and functioning in a physiological state that supports life and wellbeing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) expanded on this by defining health as 'a state of complete well-being'. This well-being is not confined to the absence of disease or infirmity but encompasses physical, mental, and social health aspects. The concept of health considers how we perform and engage in life processes such as procuring food and water, socializing, reproducing, and managing stress, reflecting a state conducive to the full enjoyment of life.
Thus, a nurse should consider a definition of health that recognizes the intricate balance between the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to a person's overall state of well-being, rather than a narrow definition that focuses only on the absence of illness. This approach supports a holistic understanding of health and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle, environmental, and social determinants in maintaining and optimizing health.