Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Concept to a Surgical Patient

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Table of Contents

Introduction. The Surgical Patient
All Levels of Maslow’s Pyramid
Physiological Needs and Safety
Love And Belonging
Esteem and Self-actualiation
Patient Levels After Each Phase
References

Introduction. The Surgical Patient

My patient is a 32-year-old woman in the third trimester of pregnancy. According to the background, the patient was previously diagnosed with gallstone disease (GSD). She complained of bitterness in the mouth in the mornings, lack of appetite, intermittent dull aching pain in the right hypochondrium, reflex vomiting, changes in blood pressure, and darkening urine. This woman is having surgery since she has acute cholecystitis, and the patient’s condition is critical at the moment. The problem could not be solved medically, and the doctor scheduled an operation to remove part of the gallbladder.

All Levels of Maslow’s Pyramid

In order to correlate the patient’s experience with her needs, it is necessary to understand Maslow’s pyramid. Maslow’s pyramid is a model of human needs in the form of a pyramid, proposed by the American psychologist Abraham Harold Maslow. Maslow noted that a person, as a being constantly in need of something, usually does not have complete satisfaction with all essentials, especially those at the top of the hierarchy (Cherry, 2022). In addition, some people do not “reach” the highest needs in their desires since they will be happy somewhere on the lower levels. Abraham Harold Maslow believed that physical survival and satisfying physiological needs are the first deep motives and basic human needs (Cherry, 2022). When a person’s physiological needs are satisfied, the desire for security and confidence in the future comes to the fore. After satisfying physiological needs and obtaining protection, an individual expects love and affection from others. In addition, a person wants to feel important both in their own eyes and in other people’s eyes. Consequently, if people want to be happy, they must do what they were born for, and developing their potential is the highest need in Maslow’s hierarchy.

Physiological Needs and Safety

Firstly, the patient’s basic needs in safety, food, water, sleep, clothing, and much more should be satisfied in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative areas and through recovery because they are the most significant and necessary for a human. In particular, it is vital that the patient’s physiological needs are met to perform a successful operation. During the pre-operative phase, it is advisable to ask the woman questions in a friendly and tactful manner, “Are you satisfied with everything?” and “Are you comfortable?” to build a trusting relationship between a patient and a medical specialist and to create a pleasant atmosphere so that the patient feels relaxed and safe while in the hospital room. The nurse should ask questions like, “How did you sleep?” and “How is your mood and well-being today?”. In this case, answering these questions, the patient tries to express her actual needs, talking about what she likes and does not suit and satisfy her. Based on her answers, appropriate adjustments in care should be made. For example, when making a specific diagnosis and deciding on surgical intervention, the patient already has the first signs of malnutrition (Aseni et al., 2019). She should be prescribed diet therapy during the pre-operative period to prepare for surgery and prevent her post-operative condition from deteriorating.

Love And Belonging

Secondly, the need for love and belonging is most vividly expressed in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative areas and through recovery. For example, in the pre-operative phase, it is essential to establish contact with the patient to show kindness and love. Medical specialists know the beneficial effects of compassion and care (Weiner, 2019). This woman’s physical and psychological difficulties suddenly disappear, even if nothing else has been done except a thorough inpatient examination of the patient and care for her. Therefore, in the post-operative area and through the recovery phase, it is crucial to keep in touch with the patient and ask clarifying questions about her health status. In this case, the patient will understand that her opinion is important and information about her health is not indifferent.

Esteem and Self-actualiation

Thirdly, the needs for respect, recognition, and self-actualization are most evident in the postoperative phase and through recovery. Rest is especially needed in the periods after surgery to restore strength and energy. For example, it is known that a woman likes to write poetry and draw; as one knows, these hobbies calm the nerves and help relieve tension. For example, in this case, the woman’s need for self-actualization is manifested through creativity. The need for recognition and respect is satisfied through respect for others, confirmation of her achievements, and the realization of creative ideas.

Patient Levels After Each Phase

It should be noted that relying on Maslow’s pyramid, the patient started with three basic levels “physiological needs,” “safety,” and “love and belonging” in the pre-operative phase. After it, the patient continued to maintain the same needs in the intra-operative phase. However, after satisfying them, there is a need for respect and recognition in the post-operative phase, and through recovery, the woman wanted to realize her potential.

References

Aseni, P., De Carlis, L., Mazzola, A., Grande, A.M. (2019). Operative techniques and recent advances in acute care and emergency surgery. Springer.

Cherry, K. (2022). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Maslow believed that physiological and psychological needs motivate our actions. Verywell Mind. Web.

Weiner, S. (2019). Can compassion help heal patients — and providers? AAMC. Web.

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