Which scenario represents a referral intervention by the nurse?

• A. Scheduling a routine check-up.
• B. Connecting a mother showing signs of severe depression with SAMHSA resources.
• C. Providing a vitamin supplement.
• D. Teaching safe sleep practices.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is recognizing a referral intervention, where the nurse connects a patient to services outside the current care setting to address a need beyond what can be handled in the visit itself. In this scenario, the nurse links a mother showing signs of severe depression to SAMHSA resources, directing her to outside mental health support and programs. That action moves care beyond the immediate clinic or home visit and coordinates ongoing help with specialists or community services, which is the essence of a referral.

By contrast, scheduling a routine check-up is about arranging a future internal visit to monitor health. Providing a vitamin supplement is a direct clinical treatment or preventive measure within the current care. Teaching safe sleep practices is patient education aimed at preventing risk through behavior—also within the current encounter. These are important, but they don’t represent connecting the patient to external services the way a referral does.