A client is hospitalized with numerous acute health problems. According to Maslow's basic needs model, which nursing diagnosis should the nurse identify as being the highest priority for this client?
1. Risk for Injury related to unsteady gait
2. Altered Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements related to inability to absorb nutrients
3. Self-Care Deficit related to weakness and debilitation
4. Powerlessness related to chronic disease state
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Risk for Injury would be the lower-priority need.
Rationale 2: In needs theories, human needs are ranked on an ascending scale according to how essential the needs are for survival. Physiologic needs are those such as air, food, water, shelter, rest, sleep, activity, and temperature maintenance, which are all crucial for survival. Nutritional deficits would fall into this level and take priority over the others listed.
Rationale 3: Self-Care Deficit would fall in the fourth level—self-esteem needs.
Rationale 4: Powerlessness is part of the need to develop one's maximum potential. It falls into the fifth and highest level of self-actualization.
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