According to Maslow, which category of basic needs must be met before any other basic needs can be met?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs outlines a structured order of human motivations and basic needs, starting from the most fundamental. Physiological needs form the base of this pyramid and include essential elements for survival, such as food, water, warmth, and rest. These needs must be satisfied before an individual can focus on higher-level requirements.

For instance, if someone is hungry or lacking shelter, their ability to concentrate on social relationships, safety, or personal growth is severely compromised. The priority placed on physiological needs stems from their critical role in ensuring half the prime functions necessary for health and survival.

After physiological needs are met, individuals can then pursue safety, social belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization as they seek personal growth and fulfillment. Recognizing this hierarchy is important in understanding human behavior and motivations, especially in a caregiving context like nursing, where meeting a patient's basic physical needs is crucial to their overall well-being.