An adolescent tells the school nurse that she is pregnant. Her last menstrual period was 4 months ago. She has not received any medical care. She smokes but denies any other substance use. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing action in this situation is to refer the adolescent for prenatal care. Prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. This includes assessing for any potential complications, providing appropriate interventions, and ensuring proper support for a healthy pregnancy. It is important for the adolescent to receive medical care as soon as possible to optimize the outcomes for both her and her baby. While notifying her parents, explaining the importance of not smoking, and discussing dietary needs are also important aspects of care, ensuring timely access to prenatal care is the most critical priority in this scenario.