Client, 75year-old William Collins, was admitted to your emergency room for an exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). You find him sitting at the side of the bed leaning forward with both arms on the bedside tray. He complains he is having shortness of breath that he is unable to control with his usual medications. His son is with him at bedside because his wife is unable to come with him due to dialysis. Consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and describe where the patient falls in that hierarchy and how this will impact care and healing. How does this disease process impact the client’s and/or their care provider’s ability to care for themselves?

SOLUTION – 75year-old William Collins admitted to emergency room for an exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that describes human motivation and behavior based on five tiers of needs, arranged in a hierarchical order. These needs include physiological needs, safety needs, love and belongingness needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Each tier must be satisfied before an individual can progress to the next level.

In the case of 75-year-old William Collins, who is admitted for an exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), his current presentation aligns with the physiological needs tier of Maslow’s hierarchy. Physiological needs encompass basic requirements for human survival, such as breathing, food, water, sleep, and excretion. William’s shortness of breath and inability to control it with his usual medications indicate that his respiratory function, a fundamental physiological need, is compromised.

Given William’s COPD exacerbation, his immediate focus is on meeting his physiological need for adequate breathing and oxygenation. This level of need takes precedence over all others according to Maslow’s hierarchy. Therefore, his current condition places him at the lowest tier of the hierarchy.

Impact on Care and Healing:

1. Immediate Medical Intervention: William’s shortness of breath requires urgent medical attention to address his respiratory distress. Healthcare providers must prioritize interventions aimed at improving his breathing and stabilizing his respiratory function, such as administering supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids.
2. Emotional Support: COPD exacerbations can be frightening and distressing for patients. William may experience anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about his condition and prognosis. Healthcare providers should offer reassurance, emotional support, and effective communication to alleviate his distress and promote a sense of security and comfort.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Management: After addressing the acute respiratory distress, healthcare providers must continue to monitor William’s respiratory status closely and implement appropriate treatment strategies to manage his COPD effectively. This may involve optimizing his medication regimen, providing smoking cessation counseling, and offering pulmonary rehabilitation programs to enhance his lung function and quality of life.

Impact on Client and Care Provider’s Ability to Care for Themselves:

1. Client: COPD exacerbations can significantly impact a patient’s daily functioning, independence, and quality of life. William may experience limitations in performing routine activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and engaging in social interactions, due to his respiratory symptoms. As a result, he may require assistance with activities of daily living and may feel physically and emotionally drained, affecting his overall well-being and self-care abilities.
2. Care Provider: COPD exacerbations can be physically and emotionally demanding for both the patient and their caregivers. William’s son, who is present at the bedside, may experience stress, anxiety, and caregiver burden while supporting his father during the hospitalization. He may need access to support services, respite care, and education on coping strategies to maintain his own health and well-being while caring for his father.

In summary, addressing William’s physiological needs related to his COPD exacerbation is essential for his immediate survival and well-being. Healthcare providers must prioritize interventions to improve his respiratory function, while also offering emotional support and ongoing management to optimize his long-term health outcomes. Additionally, supporting William’s son in his caregiver role is crucial to ensure holistic and patient-centered care for William and his family.