Which theory is considered the most applicable to prioritize patient needs in nursing?

Maslow's theory, specifically Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, is foundational in prioritizing patient needs in nursing practice. This theory proposes that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, starting from the most basic physiological requirements, such as air, water, and food, and moving up through safety, love/belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization.

In the nursing context, applying Maslow's theory helps healthcare providers identify and address the most pressing patient needs first. For instance, a nurse may prioritize administering oxygen to a patient with respiratory distress over addressing psychological concerns. By ensuring that basic physiological needs are met, nurses create a solid foundation for the fulfillment of higher-level needs.

Other theories, such as Piaget's theory, focus on cognitive development, which is not directly applicable to prioritizing patient care needs. Orem's theory centers on self-care and may assist in understanding patient independence and needs but does not provide a hierarchical structure for urgent priorities. Skinner's theory is grounded in behaviorism and focuses on reinforcement and behavior modification rather than a framework for assessing and prioritizing needs in patient care. Therefore, Maslow's theory stands out as the most applicable framework for effectively prioritizing nursing interventions and patient care needs.