A community health nurse receives a referral for a family home visit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse perform first?

Rationale: A. Clarify the source of the referral: Before taking any action, the nurse must first clarify the referral source to understand why the visit is needed, the client’s health status, and any specific concerns or priorities. This ensures the nurse has accurate and complete information to plan the visit safely and effectively. B. Contact the family by phone: While contacting the family is necessary to arrange the visit, it should occur only after the nurse understands the purpose of the referral and any special considerations to communicate relevant information. C. Implement the nursing process: Implementing the nursing process requires assessment and planning. The nurse cannot proceed to intervention without first obtaining information about the referral and preparing appropriately. D. Schedule a time for the home visit: Scheduling is important for logistics, but it should occur after clarifying the referral and understanding the family’s needs to ensure the visit is purposeful and safe.