In Maslow's hierarchy of physiological needs, the human need of greatest priority is:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, physiological needs form the base of the pyramid, representing the most fundamental requirements for human survival. These needs must be met before higher-level needs (such as safety, love, or esteem) can be addressed. Among physiological needs, *oxygen* (D) is the most critical because the human body can only survive for *minutes* without it. Cellular respiration, which provides energy for all bodily functions, depends entirely on oxygen. Without it, brain function ceases rapidly, leading to irreversible damage or death. This immediacy of oxygen's necessity makes it the highest priority. *Nutrition* (C) is essential for sustaining life, but the body can survive for *weeks* without food. While prolonged lack of nutrition leads to organ failure, the timeline for survival without food is far longer than without oxygen. Similarly, *elimination* (B), the removal of waste, is vital for maintaining homeostasis, but the body can endure *days* without proper waste elimination before severe complications arise. Both nutrition and elimination are undeniably important but are secondary to oxygen due to the difference in survival timelines. *Love* (A) is incorrect because it belongs to Maslow's third tier (social needs) and is not a physiological requirement for survival. While emotional connections contribute to mental well-being, they are irrelevant in immediate survival scenarios. A person deprived of love may suffer psychologically but will not die from it, unlike deprivation of oxygen. The prioritization of these needs aligns with biological imperatives: oxygen sustains cellular processes in real-time, while other needs become urgent only after longer periods of deprivation. This hierarchy reflects the body's adaptive mechanisms, where systems shut down in a predictable order when resources are scarce. Thus, oxygen's non-negotiable role in immediate survival makes it the need of greatest priority in Maslow's physiological tier.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the new head nurse should discuss the problem with her supervisor. This is the most appropriate action as the supervisor is in a position to address staffing concerns effectively and make necessary changes. Complaining to fellow nurses may not lead to a solution, waiting may exacerbate the issue, and demanding staff rotation without proper discussion is not a collaborative approach to resolving the problem.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Primary nursing care units have been proven to be highly satisfying for both patients and nurses. This model promotes a consistent and continuous relationship between a patient and a primary nurse, leading to improved communication, personalized care, and overall satisfaction for both parties involved.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The holistic approach, encompassing a therapeutic relationship, continuity, and efficient nursing care, is the most satisfying principle of primary nursing. This approach considers the patient as a whole, taking into account physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, which enhances the nurse-patient relationship and promotes comprehensive care. It emphasizes individualized care delivery, continuity of care, and an integrated approach, leading to improved patient satisfaction and nurse fulfillment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a healthcare provider administers treatment, such as an injection, against a patient's refusal or will, it constitutes assault and battery. Assault refers to the intentional act that causes a person to fear that they will be touched without consent, while battery involves the actual harmful or offensive contact. In this scenario, administering the injection without the patient's consent is both an assault (causing fear of unwanted contact) and a battery (unwanted physical contact). Therefore, the correct answer is 'Assault and battery.' Negligence refers to a failure to exercise the appropriate level of care expected in a situation, while malpractice involves professional negligence or misconduct.