A common framework that helps to guide the prioritization of nursing tasks during the process of planning is?

DSSSB Public Health Nurse - 2015

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB Public Health Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that provides a structured framework for prioritizing human needs, which is widely adopted in nursing.
The hierarchy is arranged in a pyramid, with fundamental physiological needs (like airway, breathing, circulation) at the base, which must be addressed before higher-level needs like safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization.
Nurses use this model to make critical decisions, ensuring that life-threatening issues are managed first, leading to a logical and safe plan of care.

Option B: Erikson's theory outlines stages of psychosocial development (e.g., Trust vs. Mistrust, Identity vs. Role Confusion) across the lifespan.
Option C: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a specific neurological assessment tool used to evaluate a patient's level of consciousness by scoring eye, verbal, and motor responses.
Option D: The Bernoulli principle is a concept from physics that describes the relationship between the speed, pressure, and potential energy of a fluid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Prioritization Frameworks in Nursing helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
In a multi-patient scenario, a nurse uses Maslow's hierarchy to quickly decide who needs attention first. The patient with a compromised airway (physiological need) is always seen before the patient who needs help with their meal (also physiological, but less urgent) or the patient who is feeling lonely (love/belonging need).
Prioritizing care based on this framework directly impacts patient safety and outcomes. Addressing basic physiological and safety needs first prevents clinical deterioration and life-threatening events.
What if? If a patient is physiologically stable but is expressing suicidal thoughts, the 'Safety' need becomes the immediate priority, temporarily superseding other needs like love/belonging or esteem. This shows the dynamic nature of applying the hierarchy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question, which is about a 'framework' for 'prioritization' of 'nursing tasks'.
Analyze the keywords. 'Prioritization' is the most critical concept here.
Evaluate each option against the concept of a prioritization framework in nursing.
Option A, Maslow's hierarchy, is a well-known theory of needs, often used for prioritization. Consider if it fits.
Option B, Erikson's theory, deals with psychosocial development stages, not daily task prioritization.
Option C, the Glasgow Coma Scale, is a specific assessment tool, not a broad planning framework.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 pp. 91-93, 66-68

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 72-74