Chapter 4: Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs

Question 1

A nurse who focuses attention on the strengths and abilities of patients rather than their problems is helping them to achieve which of Maslow’s basic human needs?

A. Self actualization
B. Self-esteem
C. Love and belonging
D. Safety & security
E. Physiologic

Answer 1

A. Self-actualization

Rationale: To meet patient self-actualization needs, nurses provide a sense of direction and hope, and maximize patient potential. Self-esteem needs are met by respecting patient values and beliefs and setting attainable goals for them. Love and belonging needs are met by including family and friends and establishing caring relationships with patients. Safety and security needs are met by encouraging spiritual practices and independent decision making. Physiologic needs are needs that must be met to maintain life.

Question 2

Physiologic Needs

Answer 2

• Oxygen: most essential
• Water
• Food
• Elimination
• Temperature
• Sexuality
• Physical activity
• Rest

Question 3

Safety and Security Needs

Answer 3

• second in priority
• have both physical and emotional components
• being protected from potential or actual harm
• examples of interventions to meet these needs:
  > using proper hand hygiene to prevent infection
  > using electrical equipment properly
  > administering medications knowledgeably

Question 4

Love and Belongingness

Answer 4

• Third priority needs, often called higher-level needs
• Understanding and acceptance of others in both giving and receiving love
• The feeling of belonging to groups such as families, peers, friends, a neighborhood, and a community
• Unmet needs produce loneliness and isolation
• Example of interventions to meet these needs:
  > Including family and friends in care of a patient
  > Establishing a trusting nurse–patient relationship

Question 5

Self-Esteem

Answer 5

• Need for a person to feel good about oneself, to feel pride and a sense of accomplishment, and to believe that others also respect and appreciate those accomplishments
• Positive self-esteem facilitates the person’s confidence and independence
• Factors affecting self-esteem
  > Role changes
  > Body image changes

Question 6

Self-actualization

Answer 6

• Acceptance of self and others as they are
• Focus of interest
• Ability to be objective
• Feelings of happiness and affection for others
• Respect for all people
• Ability to discriminate between good and evil
• Creativity as a guideline for solving problems and pursuing interests