A nurse is using Maslow's hierarchy to prioritize care for an anxious patient that is not eating and will not see family members. Which area should the nurse address first?
Anxiety
Not seeing family members
Not eating
Mental Health
The Correct Answer is C
A) Anxiety: While anxiety is a significant concern, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes addressing physiological needs first, as they form the foundation for higher-level needs. Anxiety can be a secondary concern, but it is often tied to unmet basic needs like hunger, so addressing the physiological need for nourishment should take priority.
B) Not seeing family members: Emotional support from family members is important for mental health and well-being, but according to Maslow's hierarchy, psychological needs like social connection come after physiological needs. The patient’s refusal to see family members may be influenced by underlying physiological issues such as hunger or anxiety, making it less urgent to address initially.
C) Not eating: According to Maslow’s hierarchy, the most immediate priority is addressing physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter. If a patient is not eating, it can lead to further health complications like malnutrition, weakness, and decreased energy. Ensuring the patient’s basic physiological needs are met, such as eating, should be the nurse's first priority to stabilize the patient before addressing other concerns.
D) Mental Health: Mental health concerns, like anxiety, are important but are considered a higher-level need in Maslow's hierarchy, following physiological needs. Addressing mental health issues such as anxiety may be necessary, but it is more effective once the basic physiological needs, such as eating and hydration, are met.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Focusing on helping patients be disease free: The World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health goes beyond the absence of disease. It emphasizes the complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than simply the absence of illness. Focusing solely on being disease-free does not align with this holistic view of health.
B) Providing care that involves the whole person: This is the correct approach in line with the WHO definition of health. WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Therefore, the nurse should focus on addressing all aspects of a person’s health, including emotional, social, and physical needs, to promote overall well-being.
C) Assuring that care is strictly personal in nature: While personal care is important, the WHO definition of health emphasizes a broader, more holistic approach that incorporates physical, mental, and social aspects of health, not just personal care. It’s about treating the whole person in context, including their environment and social relationships.
D) Directing focus only on the pathological state: The WHO definition moves beyond just focusing on the pathological (disease) state and emphasizes wellness in all aspects of life. While addressing medical issues is important, focusing solely on pathology ignores the broader concept of health that includes mental and social well-being.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Slide the patient into the new position: Sliding a patient when repositioning can create shear forces on the skin, which may contribute to skin damage. Shearing can occur when the skin sticks to the surface while the underlying tissues move, leading to increased risk of pressure ulcers. Therefore, sliding is not considered the most effective or safest way to reposition a patient at risk for skin impairment.
B) Place the patient in a 30-degree supine position: Placing the patient in a 30-degree supine position is a good method for reducing pressure on bony prominences and minimizing the risk of pressure injuries. However, while this position is helpful for preventing skin breakdown, it does not address the method of repositioning, which is what is being asked in this question.
C) Utilize a transfer device to lift the patient: Using a transfer device, such as a lift or slide sheet, to lift the patient is the best method for repositioning. This technique helps to reduce friction and shear forces on the skin, providing a safer and more effective way to move the patient without causing damage. Transfer devices also allow for a smoother repositioning, minimizing the risk of skin impairment.
D) Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees can increase the risk of pressure injuries, especially if the patient is immobile and cannot relieve pressure themselves. This position can also contribute to shear forces as the patient slides downward. It may be appropriate in certain clinical situations, but it does not directly address the method of repositioning.
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