According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which situation on an inpatient mental health unit would require priority intervention?

He has been prescribed Fluphenazine decanoate 87.5 mg intramuscularly every 3 weeks to treat his schizophrenia. The nurse checks the medication order and the vial label. The vial contains Fluphenazine decanoate 25 mg per milliliter. To calculate the amount of medication to administer, the nurse uses the formula:

dose ordered / dose available = mL to administer

Substituting the values, the nurse gets:

87.5 mg / 25 mg/ml = 3.5 ml

Therefore, the nurse will administer 3.5 milliliters of Fluphenazine decanoate for this dose.

Choice A Reason:

Safety needs is correct. In this scenario, the individual's safety is compromised both at work (due to the potential layoff) and at home (due to intimate partner violence). Safety needs, which include physical and emotional security, are fundamental in Maslow's hierarchy and take precedence over other needs in this situation.

Choice B Reason:

Physiological needs is incorrect. While a possible layoff can impact financial stability, it may not directly threaten immediate access to basic physiological needs like food, water, and shelter. The immediate safety concern takes precedence.

Choice C Reason:

Love and belonging needs is incorrect. Although witnessing intimate partner violence can strain relationships and affect the sense of belonging, the primary concern in this scenario is the immediate threat to safety.

Choice D Reason:

Esteem needs is incorrect. The threat of a layoff and exposure to domestic violence can impact self-esteem, but the more critical issue at the moment is ensuring physical safety.