What is the first priority in old age?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a core nursing principle for prioritizing care.
Physical health corresponds to the foundational 'Physiological Needs' (e.g., breathing, nutrition, homeostasis) at the base of the pyramid.
In any clinical setting, especially with the elderly who may have multiple health issues, ensuring physiological stability is always the first priority.
Addressing physical health issues like chronic diseases, mobility, and pain control provides the necessary foundation for addressing other aspects of well-being.

Option A: Mental health is a higher-level need (Safety, Love/Belonging) in Maslow's hierarchy and is prioritized after life-sustaining physical needs are met.
Option B: Career counselling is not relevant to the common needs and life stage of the elderly population.
Option D: This is a specific medical intervention, not a broad, universal priority. It is only relevant for a patient with a diagnosed deficiency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prioritization of care in geriatrics based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use Maslow's hierarchy daily to triage and plan care. In a geriatric ward, a patient with acute shortness of breath will be attended to before a patient who is feeling lonely.
This framework ensures that life-threatening conditions are addressed first, improving patient outcomes and safety.
What if? If an elderly patient is physically stable, well-nourished, and pain-free but expresses feelings of worthlessness and has stopped interacting with family, the priority would shift from the physiological level to the psychosocial levels (Love/Belonging and Esteem), making mental health the immediate focus.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question, which are 'first priority' and 'old age'. This indicates a prioritization question.
Recall fundamental nursing principles for prioritization, such as the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Apply Maslow's hierarchy to the given options. Place each option on the pyramid.
Physical health fits into the base level: Physiological Needs.
Mental health fits into higher levels: Safety and Love/Belonging.
Career counselling and specific supplements are either irrelevant or too specific to be a 'first priority'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Prioritization of care in geriatrics based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Stem keywords: first priority, old age
Lead-in keywords: first priority

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) pp. 75-77, 74-76

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.