A home health nurse is admitting a client who is prescribed peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Confirm schedule for delivery of supplies: Ensuring supplies are delivered is important for continuity of care, but it does not address the client’s immediate needs or understanding of peritoneal dialysis. This can be arranged after assessing needs. B. Coordinate interdisciplinary health care services: Collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential for comprehensive care, but initiating coordination should follow a thorough assessment of the client’s specific needs and goals. C. Demonstrate how to perform the procedure: Teaching the procedure is a critical step, but effective teaching requires understanding the client’s current knowledge, abilities, and perceived needs first. Without this assessment, instruction may not be individualized or effective. D. Clarify the client’s actual and perceived health needs: Assessing both objective and perceived needs establishes a foundation for individualized care planning, teaching, and coordination. This is the first action because it informs all subsequent interventions and ensures the client’s priorities are addressed.