A nurse is caring for a client who is beginning a fitness program to improve health. Which is the best statement for the nurse to make?

Choice A reason: Safety is the second foundational level in Maslow’s hierarchy, immediately following physiological needs. For a client experiencing domestic violence, ensuring physical safety is paramount before addressing legal, emotional, or social needs. Securing confidential housing removes the client from immediate harm and provides a stable environment where other needs can be addressed. Without safety, the client cannot effectively engage in legal processes or emotional healing.

Choice B reason: While legal advice is important for long-term protection and justice, it does not address the immediate threat to the client’s physical safety. Legal processes can be lengthy and may not provide immediate relief from danger. This action aligns more with higher-level needs such as security and autonomy, which are secondary to basic safety.

Choice C reason: Support groups are valuable for emotional healing and social connection, which fall under Maslow’s third level—love and belonging. However, these needs cannot be prioritized until the client’s safety is secured. Attending a support group while still in a dangerous environment may expose the client to further risk.

Choice D reason: Providing clothing addresses physiological needs, but it is not the most urgent priority in this context. While clothing is essential, the threat of violence poses a more immediate risk to life and well-being. Safety must be ensured before other physiological needs are addressed.

Choice A reason: Anxiety is a psychological concern that falls under safety and emotional needs. While important, it is secondary to physiological needs such as wound care, which directly impacts survival and physical integrity.

Choice B reason: Refusal to see a partner relates to love and belonging needs. These are higher-level needs in Maslow’s hierarchy and are not prioritized over basic physiological or safety needs.

Choice C reason: Inability to sleep affects physiological well-being but is not as immediately critical as wound care in a postoperative client. Sleep disturbances can be addressed after ensuring physical recovery.

Choice D reason: Wound care addresses the most fundamental physiological need—physical health and healing. In Maslow’s hierarchy, physiological needs are the foundation and must be met before addressing emotional or social concerns.