Question

A newly admitted client who is homeless refuses to go to group therapy. The client is found in his room, lying on the floor, with hoards of pantry items in his pockets. According to Maslow's theory, how should a nurse interpret this client's behavior?

A) Some clients are inherently incapable of achieving self-actualization.
B) A degree of nonconformity is a sign of a self-actualized individual.
C) Fulfillment of basic needs, such as safety, rest, and nutrition, takes precedence over higher level needs, such as affiliation and self-actualization.
D) Psychological health is less important than physical health.

Answer 1

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the client's hoarding behavior and refusal to attend group therapy indicate a focus on fulfilling basic physiological and safety needs before higher-level needs like social activities and self-actualization can be addressed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Client's Behavior through Maslow's Theory

According to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the behavior of the client can be interpreted to mean that their actions are driven by the need to fulfill basic physiological needs such as food and shelter. This need is at the base of Maslow's pyramid and must be met before the client can be expected to attend to higher-level needs like participating in group therapy, which falls under the categories of belongingness and self-actualization needs.

The nurse should recognize that the client's behavior is a natural response to their current situation, prioritizing the securing of food over attending therapy. According to Maslow, safety and physiological needs take precedence over social needs, esteem, and self-actualization. Therefore, the client's reluctance to join group therapy can be seen as a lower priority in comparison to their immediate concern with having enough to eat and feeling secure.

In the context of Maslow's theory, option C) Fulfillment of basic needs, such as safety, rest, and nutrition, takes precedence over higher-level needs, such as affiliation and self-actualization is the most accurate interpretation. The nurse should aim to first address these basic needs before expecting the client to engage in higher-level therapeutic activities.