Nursing Sample

Priority Nursing Diagnosis Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

349 Words UG Level Grade: A 02 Sep, 2026

Sample Content

Priority Nursing Diagnosis Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Priority Nursing Diagnosis According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Date

Referencing Style: APA / Word Count: 349

Priority Nursing Diagnosis According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Patient Scenario and Clinical Presentation

Michelle is a 69-year-old lady, who has been admitted to the emergency department with her complaints of nausea and abdominal pain. Her history reveals that she stopped taking sugar in her coffee owing to which she has lost 30 pounds during the past four months. Her diagnostic tests indicate partial bowel obstruction and acute appendicitis, and she needs to be prepared for her surgery. Though she got her pain shot four hours ago, she still feels severe pain and is demanding for a pain shot again. As the nurse is about to leave, she retched and vomited bilious emesis and has a lot of anxiety as to why she needs a surgery at this time. Basis the scenario, this paper would first analyze what the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient should be and then would suggest the priority nursing activity for this patient.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Priority Diagnosis

A Priority Nursing diagnosis is based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, according to which the Basic Physiologic needs need to be met first, followed by Safety and security, Love and belongingness, Self- Esteem and Self-Actualization (Butler & Thayer, 2021). Figure 1 depicts Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs that are to be met by an individual to achieve their full

How much level does the Maslow's hierarchy of needs divide?

Figure 1: Source - https://www.researchgate.net/post/How-much-level-does-the-Maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-divide

Physiological and Nutritional Needs

potential. As per the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Patient’s condition post bilious emesis, Nutritional (Physiological) needs of the patient should be met first. The rationale behind giving Nutrition to the patient is that now since the patient has now vomited and also requires treatment for bowel obstruction, the primary requirement of the body fluids and nutrition should be met. Secondly, since only four hours have elapsed in the last pain shot, it would not be advisable to give another pain shot at this time.