A single woman brings her 10-year-old daughter in for the first well-child visit at the clinic. The nurse discovers they recently relocated to that area due to the mother’s job, the child is now attending a “tough” school and she is home, scared and alone, for several hours after school. Which action should the nurse prioritize to assist this family?

Choice A reason: Discussing anxiety and depression is relevant but premature without addressing the immediate issue of the child being alone and scared after school. After-school programs provide supervision and safety, making this less urgent and incorrect compared to resolving the primary concern of unsupervised time for the child. Choice B reason: Preventing drug and alcohol use is important but not the priority for a 10-year-old scared and alone after school. After-school programs address immediate safety and social needs, making this secondary and incorrect compared to tackling the child’s current unsupervised and fearful situation at home. Choice C reason: Emergency contact numbers are useful but do not resolve the ongoing issue of the child being alone and scared daily. After-school programs offer structured supervision, directly addressing the primary concern, making this less critical and incorrect for the nurse’s priority action for this family. Choice D reason: Providing a list of after-school programs addresses the child’s fear and isolation by offering supervised, engaging activities, reducing unsupervised time at home. This prioritizes safety and emotional well-being, aligning with pediatric nursing goals for supporting relocated families, making it the correct action to assist them.