A parish nurse is helping a client who has been dealing with domestic violence (DV) at home. Considering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which action should the nurse prioritize?
Secure an apartment in a confidential location.
Contract with an attorney for legal advice.
Enroll the client in a support group for DV survivors.
Purchase clothing items from the local thrift store.
The Correct Answer is A
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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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Anxiety and emotional support fall under the category of safety and psychological needs. While important, they are not as urgent as physiological needs such as pain management.
Choice B reason: Severe pain is a physiological need, which is the most basic and urgent level in Maslow’s hierarchy. Addressing pain is essential for comfort, healing, and preventing complications such as increased stress response or impaired mobility.
Choice C reason: Financial assistance relates to long-term security and social needs. It does not pose an immediate threat to the client’s physical well-being and can be addressed after urgent physiological concerns.
Choice D reason: Loneliness is a social and emotional need. While it affects mental health, it does not take precedence over acute physical distress such as severe pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While nicotine withdrawal and irritability may affect comfort and emotional regulation, they do not pose an immediate threat to life or safety. This concern falls under physiological or psychological needs but is not the highest priority in terms of safety.
Choice B reason: Loneliness relates to love and belonging needs in Maslow’s hierarchy. Although important for emotional well-being, it does not represent an urgent safety issue compared to threats of self-harm.
Choice C reason: Concern about machine alarms may reflect anxiety or environmental discomfort. Unless the alarms indicate a malfunction affecting care, this is a lower priority than direct threats to life.
Choice D reason: Expressions of hopelessness and suicidal ideation represent a critical threat to life and safety. According to Maslow’s hierarchy, safety needs—especially those involving risk of harm—must be addressed before other concerns. Immediate intervention is required to ensure the client’s safety and initiate appropriate mental health support.
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