According to Maslow's theory, which of the following must a patient satisfy to activate motivation?

The correct answer is based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill basic needs before progressing to higher-order needs. Basic physiological needs are foundational in this hierarchy. These include essentials for survival such as food, water, shelter, and warmth. Until these basic requirements are met, an individual is unlikely to be motivated to pursue higher needs such as safety, social connections, or self-actualization.

In the context of patient care, addressing basic physiological needs is paramount. For instance, a patient who is hungry or in pain may not be able to concentrate on their social relationships or consider their safety, let alone strive for personal growth or self-actualization. Therefore, fulfilling these basic needs is essential for activating further motivation and engagement in their health care journey.