According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs is considered the most basic and must be met first?

A. Adequate hydration is crucial for overall health, particularly for those in the nursing profession, which can be physically demanding. Nurses should be encouraged to drink sufficient water daily to maintain hydration, rather than restricting intake.
B. This recommendation is insufficient for most adults. While individual sleep needs can vary, most adults require between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning, health, and recovery. Thus, suggesting only 5 hours is not supportive of good self-care practices.
C. While any exercise is better than none, recommending only once a week is not ideal. Current guidelines generally suggest that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, spread across several days.
D. This is a beneficial self-care practice. Preparing and bringing healthy meals to work supports proper nutrition, energy levels, and overall health. It helps nurses avoid unhealthy options that may be more convenient in a work setting and promotes better dietary choices.

A. This is a healthcare system determinant of health, not a social determinant.
B. This is a demographic determinant of health, not a social determinant.
C. This is a biological determinant of health, not a social determinant.
D. Education level is considered a social determinant of health. Education level is one of the social determinants of health, as it can influence a person's access to jobs, housing, and healthcare, as well as their health behaviors and outcomes.