Questions: Chapter 4 The Nursing Process: Critic 23. Your patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. It was determined that he had pancreatitis as a result of severely elevated triglycerides. He was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and you plan to teach him about his diagnosis. He is not allowed anything by mouth yet because of the pancreatitis. He is receiving intravenous (IV) fluids and requires pain medication every 3 to 4 hours. You enter the room and let him know you want to discuss his health conditions with him. He responds by saying, "Not now, please, I just got my pain medication." Which of the following explains how the patient's comment reflects Maslow's hierarchy of needs? a. He has to have his safety and security needs met before he can address cognitive needs. b. Cognitive needs are less important than physical needs. c. He cannot deal with learning new issues while he feels physically uncomfortable. d. His discomfort is preventing him from cooperating.

The answer is c. He cannot deal with learning new issues while he feels physically uncomfortable.

This option is not the best explanation in this context. While safety and security are important, the immediate issue here is the patient's physical discomfort, which is more directly related to physiological needs rather than safety and security.

While this statement is generally true according to Maslow's hierarchy, it doesn't specifically address the situation at hand. The patient's immediate concern is his physical discomfort, which is a more pressing need than cognitive engagement.

This option best reflects the situation. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, physiological needs, such as relief from pain, must be addressed before higher-level needs, such as learning or cognitive engagement, can be effectively pursued. The patient's comment indicates that his current physical discomfort is a barrier to engaging in a discussion about his health conditions.

While this option is partially correct, it doesn't fully capture the essence of Maslow's hierarchy. The focus should be on the prioritization of needs, with physiological needs taking precedence over cognitive needs. Option c more accurately reflects this prioritization.