Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

🧠 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – Nursing Study Guide

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory developed by Abraham Maslow (1943), which states that human motivation is driven by fulfilling basic to advanced needs in a ranked order. In nursing, it's often used to prioritize patient care — especially on NCLEX and in real-life clinical settings.

📊 The 5 Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy

(Bottom to Top – Most to Least Priority)

1. Physiological Needs (Most Important / Basic Needs)

🌱 Foundation of survival

These are the body’s essential requirements.
If these are not met, the patient may not survive.

Examples:

• Airway (A)

• Breathing (B)

• Circulation (C)

• Nutrition and hydration

• Elimination

• Temperature regulation

• Rest/sleep

• Vital sign stability

• Pain control (in some cases)

🩺 Nursing Interventions:

• Ensure ABCs first (especially in emergencies)

• Monitor vital signs

• Administer oxygen, fluids, or nutrition

• Address acute pain, bleeding, and safety risks

• Recognize signs of dehydration, hypoxia, or shock

🧠 NCLEX Tip:

2. Safety and Security Needs

🛡 Physical + emotional safety

Once physiological needs are stable, focus shifts to preventing harm.

Examples:

• Fall prevention

• Side rail safety

• Secure environment

• Administering medications correctly

• Infection control

• Abuse or trauma screening

🩺 Nursing Interventions:

• Assess for fall risks

• Use alarms, restraints, and side rails when appropriate

• Maintain hand hygiene

• Educate on medication safety and home safety

• Provide emotional safety through therapeutic communication

🧠 NCLEX Tip:

3. Love and Belongingness Needs

💞 Emotional connections & relationships

Patients need to feel loved, connected, and supported.

Examples:

• Family and peer support

• Inclusion in care planning

• Communication with loved ones

• Isolation and loneliness concerns

🩺 Nursing Interventions:

• Facilitate family visits

• Allow emotional expression

• Provide support groups/resources

• Use active listening and empathy

• Foster a sense of trust and community

🧠 Important For:
Psych patients, grieving families, pediatrics, elderly in long-term care

4. Self-Esteem Needs

💪 Feeling valued and accomplished

This includes both internal self-worth and external recognition.

Examples:

• Confidence in recovery

• Body image support post-surgery

• Encouragement and praise

🩺 Nursing Interventions:

• Recognize patient progress (even small wins)

• Include them in care decisions

• Support rehab goals and recovery efforts

• Encourage independence (ADLs, self-care)

🧠 Tip:
This is especially crucial in rehab, chronic illness, amputations, or visible disabilities

5. Self-Actualization (Least Urgent in Nursing)

🌟 Achieving one’s full potential

Very few patients in the hospital setting are here. These needs focus on growth, personal goals, and creative expression.

Examples:

• Returning to work or school

• Learning a new skill or hobby

• Volunteering or helping others

🩺 Nursing Interventions:

• Encourage goal setting and autonomy

• Provide access to spiritual or counseling services

• Support life transitions and health promotion

🧠 Tip:
Not a priority in acute settings, but more common in outpatient, palliative, or mental health recovery

🧱 Maslow's Pyramid (Bottom-Up Priority)

🧩 Maslow in Nursing Practice

💡 Use this to:

• Triage and prioritize patient care

• Answer NCLEX “who do you see first?” questions

• Set patient-centered goals

• Provide holistic care

🧠 BONUS – Quick Clinical Mnemonic:

"Please Stay Loyal Even Spiritually"
P – Physiological
S – Safety
L – Love & Belonging
E – Esteem
S – Self-actualization