Which action demonstrates the Basic Needs theory in nursing?

The choice that best demonstrates Basic Needs theory in nursing is assisting the client to the bedside commode. Basic Needs theory, primarily associated with Abraham Maslow, posits that individuals must have their basic physiological and safety needs met before they can attend to higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs. In the context of nursing, this theory translates to ensuring that clients have their fundamental physical needs addressed, such as elimination, which is crucial for health and comfort.

By assisting the client to the bedside commode, the nurse is directly addressing a basic physiological need. This action supports the client’s dignity, independence, and overall well-being by ensuring that these essential bodily functions are adequately managed. It reflects an understanding that maintaining physical health is foundational to the client's ability to engage in more complex aspects of care and recovery.

While the other actions listed—such as helping a client find a clean residence or counseling a client on adapting to a health condition—are important, they do not focus as directly on the immediate physiological needs essential for survival and health, which is the core of Basic Needs theory in nursing.