Prioritizing patient problems is usually based on

A. Assessment:

Explanation: Assessment is the first step in the nursing process. It involves gathering information about the patient's health status. This can include a patient's medical history, physical examination, and other vital signs. It's the phase where the nurse collects data to identify the patient's problems or needs.
B. Nursing Diagnosis:

Explanation: Nursing diagnosis is the second step in the nursing process, following assessment. During this step, the nurse analyzes the data collected during the assessment to identify nursing diagnoses or issues. Nursing diagnoses are clinical judgments about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems or life processes.
C. Evaluation:

Explanation: Evaluation is the last step in the nursing process. It involves assessing the patient's response to nursing interventions and determining if the goals and outcomes have been met. In the given scenario, the nurse is evaluating whether the pain medication administered 45 minutes ago has had the desired effect and has relieved the patient's pain.
D. Implementation:

Explanation: Implementation is the third step in the nursing process. During this phase, the nurse carries out the care plan that was designed during the planning phase. This can involve a variety of nursing actions, including administering medications, providing treatments, and educating patients. In the context of the scenario, giving pain medication is part of the implementation phase.

A. Psychosocial needs should be met first:
Psychosocial needs are undoubtedly essential aspects of patient care. However, the priority of nursing problems depends on the patient's condition and the urgency of the situation. While psychosocial needs are critical, they might not always be the first priority, especially in acute or life-threatening situations. Safety and physiological needs often take precedence.

B. Problems don't need to be prioritized:
In nursing practice, problems do need to be prioritized. Patients usually have multiple issues that need attention, and prioritization ensures that the most urgent or life-threatening problems are addressed first. Without prioritization, critical issues might be delayed, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.

C. Problems should be ranked according to their importance:
This statement is correct. Prioritizing nursing problems involves ranking them based on their importance and urgency. It ensures that the most critical issues are addressed promptly and effectively, enhancing patient outcomes and safety.

D. Safety is the #1 priority:
This statement is also correct. In nursing, patient safety is paramount. Ensuring the patient's safety is the top priority in all situations. This includes assessing and managing risks, preventing accidents or injuries, and providing a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers. Safety concerns often take precedence over other nursing problems.