A visiting health nurse had to deal with a client emergency and this has put her behind in a schedule visit today. What should the nurse do to maintain trust with the client?

• A. Cancel the visit and reschedule
• B. Explain the delay to the client and reschedule without delay
• C. Ignore the delay and proceed as planned
• D. Call the client after the visit with an apology

Answer: (B)

Open and honest communication when a schedule is disrupted is essential for trust. If an emergency pushes a health visit behind, the nurse should explain the delay to the client and reschedule without delay. By informing the client about what happened, providing a realistic timeframe, and promptly setting a new appointment, the nurse shows accountability and respect for the client’s time. This proactive approach reduces uncertainty and preserves continuity of care, which reinforces reliability and trust. Waiting to apologize after the fact, proceeding without addressing the delay, or canceling without explanation can make the client feel undervalued and uncertain about future care.