A medical assistant is rooming an adult patient who has not eaten since the previous evening and reports light-headedness, hunger, and difficulty concentrating during a long appointment wait. Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level should the medical assistant address FIRST?
- ASelf-actualisation needs, by exploring the patient's long-term wellness goals during the visit
- BEsteem needs, by reassuring the patient that their concerns are valued by the clinic staff
- CPhysiological needs, by offering food, water, and a seat before continuing the rooming process Correct
- DSafety needs, by performing a fall-risk assessment before any other intervention is undertaken
Why A is wrong: Self-actualisation sits at the top of Maslow's hierarchy and cannot be meaningfully addressed while basic physiological needs such as food and stability are unmet.
Why B is wrong: Esteem needs come after physiological, safety, and belonging needs are met, so prioritising reassurance over food and stability skips earlier and more urgent levels of the hierarchy.
Why C is correct: Physiological needs sit at the base of Maslow's hierarchy and must be addressed first; offering food, fluid, and a place to sit relieves the hunger and light-headedness before any higher need is considered.
Why D is wrong: Safety is the second level and is tempting because of the light-headedness, but Maslow places physiological needs such as food and fluid below safety, so those should be addressed first.