At a well-child visit for a 2-year-old in emergency foster care with a teen mother, what is a priority for the nurse practitioner?

• A. Evaluation of financial resources, medical insurance, and access to health care and medications
• B. Providing a list of websites and community-based support groups for grandparents parenting grandchildren
• C. Referral to a social worker to help the child deal with emotional conflict related to separation from the parent
• D. Teaching the grandparent about the need for consistency in routines and discipline for the child

Answer: (A)

Securing access to health care resources is the most immediate need when a young child enters foster care. At a well-child visit, the priority is to verify and establish medical coverage and financial resources so vaccines, medications, and follow-up care can be obtained without barriers. If the child lacks insurance or stable access to care, preventive services and treatment can be delayed, increasing risk for unmet health needs during a transition in guardianship.

While emotional support, social work involvement, and guidance on routines are important parts of care, they do not address the critical obstacle to the child’s health care continuity in this scenario—the ability to access care and affording it. Establishing coverage and access lays the groundwork for all subsequent management.