According to Kolcaba, what are considered comfort needs?

Kolcaba's theory of comfort identifies three distinct dimensions of comfort needs: relief, ease, and transcendence. Relief refers to the state of having specific comfort needs met, such as alleviating pain or anxiety. Ease involves a state of calm and contentment, where the individual feels comfortable in their environment and situation. Transcendence represents a higher level of comfort, where an individual can rise above their challenges, experiencing a sense of peace and well-being despite difficult circumstances.

By encompassing all three dimensions, Kolcaba's framework allows healthcare providers to address the holistic comfort needs of patients, going beyond basic sensations of comfort to include psychological and emotional aspects. This comprehensive understanding is vital in nursing practice as it guides the assessment and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing patient comfort and overall well-being. In contrast, the other choices listed do not encompass the holistic approach outlined in Kolcaba's theory and instead focus on narrower aspects of patient care or communication.