A nurse is providing care based on Maslow’s hierarchy of basic human needs. For which of the following nursing activities is this approach useful?
Making accurate nursing diagnoses
Establishing priorities of care
Communicating concerns more concisely
Integrating science into nursing care
The Correct Answer is B
Nurses use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to determine which client needs immediate attention to ensure survival and promote well-being. It guides decision-making, prioritization, and holistic care delivery.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. Establishing priorities of care: Maslow’s hierarchy helps nurses decide what to address first (e.g., oxygenation before emotional support).
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Making accurate nursing diagnoses: While understanding needs can inform diagnoses, Maslow's model is not primarily a diagnostic tool; it is more useful for setting priorities.
C. Communicating concerns more concisely: Maslow’s theory isn't a communication framework; it doesn’t directly aid in conciseness or clarity.
D. Integrating science into nursing care: Maslow’s theory is psychological, not scientific; it’s not a method for incorporating scientific data into care.
Take-home points:
- Maslow’s hierarchy is essential for nursing prioritization.
- Always address life-sustaining needs (e.g., airway, breathing) before psychological or social needs.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a foundational theory in psychology and nursing that helps prioritize patient care based on five levels of human needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Rationale for correct answer:
A. Physiologic: These are the most basic survival needs (oxygen, food, water, rest). Without them, no other needs can be pursued.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
B. Safety and security: These needs are important but come after physiological ones are met.
C. Love and belonging: These are third-level needs related to relationships and emotional connection.
D. Self-actualization: This is the highest level, involving personal growth and reaching one’s full potential.
Take-home points:
- Physiological needs form the foundation of all nursing care-unless these are met, higher-level needs (like safety, love, or self-esteem) cannot be achieved.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Self-actualization refers to the ongoing process of fulfilling one’s potential and becoming the most that one can be. It is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong journey influenced by life experiences, personal growth, and introspection.
Rationale for correct answer:
C. The self-actualization process continues throughout life: This statement reflects Maslow’s belief that self-actualization is an ongoing, evolving process. Individuals can reach higher levels of development throughout their lives.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A.Humans are born with fully developed self-actualization: Self-actualization is not innate or fully developed at birth. It is a lifelong pursuit achieved through growth, challenges, and learning, after lower-level needs are met.
B. Self-actualization needs are met by having confidence and independence: Confidence and independence are part of self-esteem needs, not self-actualization. Self-actualization involves creativity, fulfillment, morality, and personal growth beyond just self-confidence.
D. Loneliness and isolation occur when self-actualization needs are unmet: Loneliness and isolation are linked to unmet love and belonging needs, which are lower than self-actualization on Maslow’s hierarchy.
Take-home points:
- Self-actualization is a lifelong journey, not a fixed state.
- It represents the continuous growth toward one’s highest potential.
- Maslow’s hierarchy helps nurses understand holistic care & guiding support.
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