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NCLEX · General

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

Correct answer

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

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

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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