Question

A nurse caring for a client tries to prioritize nursing actions on the basis of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Which statement of the client would the nurse pay attention to last?

Answer 1

Answer:

Collaborating with family members of the patient to provide emotional support to the patient.

Explanation:

As per Maslow's hierarchy of needs, there are five needs in the order of most basic to highest. These are as follows

1. Basic Physiological Needs
2. Security and Safety Needs
3. Love/Belonging Needs
4. Self Esteem Needs
5. Self Actualization Needs

Following would be the order of priority as per Maslow Hierarchy:

1. Providing a timely cold bath to the patient and helping him to go to washroom etc would constitute basic physiological needs

2. Adjusting patient's bed to prevent a fall would constitute safety and security needs.

3. Talking to Patient's family members to provide emotional support would fall under Love/Belonging needs. This would be last resorted to by the Nurse.

Answer 2

Answer:

Dementia patient would prioritize as such.

Explanation:

An elderly client with dementia has impaired cognition. Therefore the nurse should make arrangements such as applying bed side rails to ensure that the client’s safety needs are met first. At this stage, self-esteem or factors that enhance confidence and self-worth are not as important as safety. Self-actualization is the ability to solve problems and being able to cope realistically, which is beyond the capacity of the client with dementia. All clients need to feel love and belonging; however, safety is the first priority for this client.