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NCLEX · Management of Care

Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize, which client need would generally be addressed first?

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Correct answer

A client's physiological need such as oxygen, food, or fluids

  1. A A client's need for self-esteem
  2. B A client's need for spiritual fulfillment
  3. C A client's physiological need such as oxygen, food, or fluids
  4. D A client's need for social interaction

Why this is the answer

Using MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS to prioritize, PHYSIOLOGICAL needs (oxygen, food, water, elimination, sleep, shelter) are addressed FIRST — they are the most basic and essential for survival. NCLEX safe care/prioritization. MASLOW'S HIERARCHY (bottom to top): (1) PHYSIOLOGICAL (most basic — air, water, food, etc.); (2) SAFETY/security; (3) LOVE/belonging (social); (4) ESTEEM; (5) SELF-ACTUALIZATION (highest). Lower-level needs generally take priority over higher-level ones. Combined with the ABCs (airway/breathing/circulation are physiological priorities), Maslow helps rank client needs. Physiological needs and safety outrank psychosocial needs (social interaction, esteem, spiritual). Applying Maslow to prioritize (physiological first) is a commonly tested NCLEX framework.
Source: NCLEX Safe Care — Maslow Prioritization

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About this topic: Management of Care

Management of care questions cover prioritisation (ABCs, Maslow, acute before chronic), case management, continuity of care, ethical practice, informed consent and the legal responsibilities of the RN. This is one of 11 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on management of care, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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