A community health nurse is evaluating eligibility for home assistance for a client who is quadriplegic. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

A. Determine the client's living situation: Assessing the client’s home environment is the first step in evaluating eligibility for home assistance. Understanding factors such as accessibility, caregiver support, and safety needs provides a foundation for planning appropriate interventions and resources tailored to the client’s circumstances. B. Problem solve with the client: Problem-solving is an important part of care planning but should occur after the nurse has gathered essential information about the client’s living situation. Without this initial assessment, problem-solving may not address the client’s actual needs. C. Offer community resources to the client: Providing information about resources is helpful but premature without first understanding the client’s living conditions and specific support requirements. This ensures recommendations are relevant and actionable. D. Assist the client with decision-making: Supporting decision-making is crucial for client-centered care but comes after the nurse has assessed the client’s situation and presented appropriate options. Initial assessment informs safe and effective guidance.