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Human Needs and Developmental Stages

Unit 1 Lesson 4

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Explain Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs with application to client/family care
Explain Erikson's stages of development with application to client/family care
Discuss the spiritual needs of clients
Describe supportive methods to assist in meeting clients/family spiritual needs

Student Learning Outcomes

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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Level 1 - Physiological Needs

First priority
Air, food, water, shelter, clothing
Warmth and sleep needs
Keep people alive and healthy
Must be met before other needs

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Level 2 - Safety Needs

Feeling safe and secure from harm
Freedom from fear and worry
Protection from falls and injury
Comfortable in the living environment
Predictable daily routines help safety

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client in a rehabilitation center expresses anxiety and fear about returning home after a fall. Which action by the nursing aide aligns with addressing the client's safety needs according to Maslow's Hierarchy?

Encourage the client to plan future social outings.
Assist the client in developing a fall-prevention plan.
Discuss the importance of self-actualization with the client.
Organize a group exercise session for the client.

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Level 3 - Love and Belongingness

Feeling connected to family and friends
Being part of community or group
Having close, caring relationships
Feeling loved and accepted by others
Physical intimacy and romantic relationships

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A nursing aide notices that a client in a long-term care facility is often found sitting alone and seems withdrawn. The client has recently moved to this facility from their home. Based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, what would be an appropriate action for the nursing aide to take to help this client?

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Level 4 - Esteem Needs

Feeling good about oneself
Being respected by other people
Sense of accomplishment and achievement
Feeling important and valued
Contributing to something meaningful

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Level 5 - Self-Actualization

Highest Level
Reaching full personal potential
Achieving important life goals
Feeling satisfied with life
Being the best person possible
Includes spiritual needs and life meaning

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Using Maslow's Theory as a Nurse’s Aide

Meet physiological needs through care plans
Ensure safety with fall precautions
Support belongingness through family visits
Build esteem by respecting preferences
Identify and report unmet needs
Help the team address needs in order

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Erikson's Theory of Development

Eight stages based on age groups
Each stage has main challenge
Successfully resolving conflicts builds strengths
Failure can cause problems and anxiety
Helps provide age-appropriate care

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Erikson's Eight Stages Summary

Stage	Age	Main Conflict	Support Example
Trust vs. Mistrust	0-1 years	Learning to trust caregivers	Respond quickly to infant needs
Autonomy vs. Shame	1-3 years	Wanting independence	Let toddlers make simple choices
Initiative vs. Guilt	3-6 years	Starting activities independently	Encourage preschoolers play activities
Industry vs. Inferiority	7-11 years	Comparing self to peers	Praise school-age children's efforts

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Erikson's Eight Stages Summary

Stage	Age	Main Conflict	Support Example
Identity vs. Confusion	12-18 years	Finding sense of self	Listen to teenager's concerns patiently
Intimacy vs. Isolation	20s-40s	Forming close relationships	Support young adult social connections
Generativity vs. Stagnation	40s-60s	Contributing to society	Encourage talk about children/grandchildren
Integrity vs. Despair	65+ years	Reflecting on life	Allow older adults to share stories

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client in a nursing home expresses a desire to contribute to the community but feels unable to do so. According to Erikson's stages of development, what activity could the nursing aide suggest to support the client's sense of generativity?

Encourage the client to mentor younger Patients.
Facilitate a discussion about the client's past regrets.
Suggest the client pursue solitude for self-reflection.
Advise the client to focus on personal leisure activities.

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Considerations for Adult Development

Young adults may feel lonely
Support their family and friend visits
Middle-aged clients want to contribute
Encourage stories about their children
Older adults reflect on their lives
Listen respectfully to their memories

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A nursing aide is caring for an older adult who is reflecting on their life with regret and sadness. What approach should the nursing aide take to support this client's psychosocial development according to Erikson's theory?

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Spiritual Needs

How people find life meaning
Connections with self, others, nature
Includes faith, love, belonging, forgiveness
Different from organized religion
Common during serious illness
Affects healing and overall well-being

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Spirituality vs. Religion

Spirituality

Personal beliefs about meaning

Religion

Organized beliefs and practices

Some spiritual people avoid organized religion
Religious rules about food and clothing
Changes throughout person's lifetime
Both deserve equal respect and support

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Supporting Spiritual Needs

Ask "What would help your faith?"
Provide quiet time for prayer
Contact their clergy or chaplain
Take them to available services
Respect their religious practices
Never judge or criticize beliefs

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Working with Chaplains

Professionally trained for spiritual care
Work with all faiths and cultures
Help clients, families, and staff
Available for people without religious beliefs
Suggest chaplain when clients seem distressed
Nurse’s Aides can request chaplain services

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Praying with Clients Guidelines

Acceptable to pray if comfortable
Focus on the clients’ beliefs
Keep prayers simple and universal
If uncomfortable, contact the chaplain
Never promote your own religion
Client's spiritual needs come first

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client who is recovering from surgery asks the nursing aide to pray with them. The nursing aide feels uncomfortable doing so. What should the nursing aide do to best support the client's spiritual needs?

Politely decline and offer to contact the client's family.
Lead a prayer focused on the nursing aide's beliefs.
Suggest waiting for a chaplain to be available.
Pray with the client, focusing on the client's beliefs and preferences.

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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