How should a nurse prioritize care for patients effectively?

Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to prioritize care for patients is effective because it provides a structured framework that identifies the levels of human needs, ranging from basic physiological requirements to higher-order psychological needs. According to this hierarchy, essential needs such as air, water, food, and safety must be met before addressing more complex issues like belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

In nursing practice, prioritizing care based on this model ensures that the most critical and life-sustaining needs of patients are addressed first. For example, a nurse would first assess and manage any immediate physiological concerns such as pain, breathing, or any acute medical condition before moving on to psychosocial aspects like emotional support or patient education. This approach not only aligns with holistic care principles but also leads to improved patient outcomes as it acknowledges the importance of addressing the foundational needs that enable individuals to function and recover effectively.

Additionally, while assessing urgency and following physician orders are important in nursing practice, they may not encompass the broad spectrum of needs as effectively as Maslow's framework does. Therefore, applying the hierarchy allows nurses to systematically evaluate and meet the diverse needs of their patients in a manner that promotes overall well-being.