Read this article to learn about the importance of knowledge of biological basis of behaviour for nurses!
In this unit, it is explained how brain, nervous system, endocrine glands and genetics are related to behaviour.
These systems have a high bearing on the behaviour of an individual. They influence in normal as well as in abnormal conditions. Patients with many physical problems are admitted to hospitals.
In the same way many patients with psychological problems are also admitted. In both these cases there will be mutual interaction of both body and mind.
The nurses should have a good knowledge of these processes. It is not enough, only to know the anatomical aspects of CNS, PNS and ANS, but also to know the effects of these systems on behaviour.
Many patients suffering from different diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebellar lesions, epilepsy, etc. will be admitted for treatment. Such patients require special attention and nursing care.
For example, a patient with cerebral palsy or paralysis may be having the problem with his brain or nervous system, but this will have a damaging effect on his mind and behaviour. Improper functioning of brain may lead to blindness, deafness and such other sensory defects, but these sensory problems will affect the perceptual ability of the individual.
Damage to the brain may affect the intelligence, thinking reasoning, memory and such other important psychological processes also. The adjusted behaviour of an individual many times depends not only on psychological conditions, but also on the functioning of body and more importantly on brain, nervous system and glands.
Many changes in behaviours are the results of hyper- or hypo-secretions of hormones by endocrine glands.
All these aspects clearly show that the nurses must try to understand the biological basis of behaviour, so that they can plan the appropriate nursing care for the patients.