A patient is anxious about their upcoming surgery. How should the nurse apply Maslow's framework to prioritize their care?

A. Focus care on self-esteem by providing compliments: Self-esteem is a high-level psychological need that is addressed after physiological and safety needs are secured. While compliments may improve mood, they do not resolve the primary source of preoperative anxiety. This approach ignores the more fundamental need for safety and predictability. B. Encouraging the patient to practice meditation techniques: Meditation addresses self-actualization or higher-level emotional regulation. While helpful for stress, it does not provide the concrete information required to satisfy safety and security needs. Maslow's hierarchy requires that foundational safety concerns be addressed before achieving mental tranquility through meditation. C. Provide education about the procedure to address safety concerns: According to Maslow, safety and security are second-tier needs that must be met once physiological stability is confirmed. Providing clear information about what to expect reduces fear of the unknown and satisfies the patient's need for security. This is the most effective way to lower anxiety levels. D. Schedule a consult with a counselor: Referral to a counselor addresses psychosocial needs but may delay the immediate resolution of the patient's anxiety. Most preoperative anxiety is rooted in a lack of specific knowledge regarding the surgical process. Direct nursing education is a more immediate and appropriate intervention for safety.