A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse prioritize based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
A client who is experiencing difficulty breathing
A client who is anxious about an upcoming surgery
A client who reports feeling lonely and isolated
A client who requests information about a new diet plan
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Difficulty breathing is a threat to physiological stability, the most basic level in Maslow’s hierarchy. Airway and breathing are critical priorities in nursing care, and this client requires immediate intervention to preserve life.
Choice B reason: Anxiety about surgery reflects emotional and psychological needs, which are important but secondary to physiological survival. Once the client’s physical safety is ensured, emotional support can be provided.
Choice C reason: Loneliness and isolation pertain to love and belonging needs. While these are essential for mental health, they do not take precedence over life-threatening conditions like respiratory distress.
Choice D reason: Interest in a diet plan reflects self-improvement and health promotion, which align with Maslow’s higher-level needs such as self-actualization. This client is stable and can wait while more urgent needs are addressed.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Psychosocial background includes external influences such as socioeconomic status, education, and social support, which are considered external variables.
Choice B reason: Cultural background is an external variable that shapes beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes toward health but originates from outside the individual.
Choice C reason: Family roles and organization are external social structures that influence health indirectly through support systems and caregiving dynamics.
Choice D reason: Perception of illness is an internal variable because it reflects the individual's cognitive and emotional interpretation of their health status. It directly affects health behaviors, coping strategies, and adherence to treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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