Final answer:
The action by the nurse that helps to meet the cognitive needs of the patient as described by Maslow is performing careful perineal care to avoid the development of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Step-by-step explanation:
The action by the nurse that helps to meet the cognitive needs of the patient as described by Maslow is performing careful perineal care to avoid the development of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, cognitive needs are a part of the self-actualization level, which is the highest level of human needs. These needs include intellectual stimulation, knowledge, and the desire to learn and understand. By providing careful perineal care to avoid the development of a UTI, the nurse is ensuring the patient's physical well-being, which can have a positive impact on their cognitive functioning.
UTIs can cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, and cognitive decline in elderly patients. By preventing the development of a UTI through proper perineal care, the nurse is promoting the patient's cognitive health and helping them meet their cognitive needs.