A nurse is prioritizing care for several clients on a busy hospital unit. Based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which client should the nurse attend to first?

Choice A reason: Severe abdominal pain is a subjective experience that reflects the client’s perception of illness. Illness is defined by the presence of symptoms and the individual’s response to those symptoms, making this scenario the most representative.

Choice B reason: Elevated potassium is a clinical finding that may indicate disease but does not necessarily reflect the client’s experience of illness. If the client is asymptomatic, they may not perceive themselves as ill.

Choice C reason: Seasonal allergies controlled with medication suggest a managed chronic condition. The client may not feel ill if symptoms are absent or minimal, making this less representative of active illness.

Choice D reason: Recovery from surgery without complications indicates healing and restoration of health. While the client may have experienced illness previously, they are currently in a recovery phase, not actively ill.

Choice A reason: Educating clients on local health issues is important for community-level health promotion but does not directly contribute to global health initiatives. Global health requires cross-border collaboration and systemic approaches that extend beyond local education.

Choice B reason: Avoiding policymaking contradicts the nurse’s role in advocacy and leadership. Nurses are key stakeholders in shaping health policy, especially in global health efforts where systemic change is needed to address disparities and improve outcomes.

Choice C reason: Collaborating with international organizations is a direct and impactful way nurses contribute to global health. These partnerships allow for resource sharing, policy development, and coordinated responses to global health challenges such as pandemics, maternal health, and chronic disease management.

Choice D reason: Working in community hospitals supports local health infrastructure but does not inherently advance global health unless paired with broader initiatives. The nurse’s role in global health requires engagement beyond the local setting.