Final answer:
In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, a patient with SOB (a physiological need) and depression would first be treated for their physiological needs before addressing higher-level needs like mental health (option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, a patient presenting with Shortness of Breath (SOB) and depression would first be addressed at the level of physiological needs. This is because SOB, being a physical health issue, directly threatens one's basic survival and therefore it is the most immediate need that should be satisfied. Once physiological stability is achieved, healthcare providers can then move on to addressing higher-level needs such as those related to mental health and emotional well-being, which would include the patient's depression.
Hence, the answer is option a.