Understanding the Referral Process in Nursing

A nurse is assessing a patient who has complex health needs that require specialized interventions beyond the scope of general nursing care. The nurse identifies that a referral to a specialist is necessary to ensure comprehensive care and patient safety. In this context, the nurse must document this action appropriately. In the following sentence, fill in the blank with the correct term:

When making a referral, the nurse must ensure that the patient's information is communicated effectively, which includes providing a complete _____ of the patient’s condition and treatment history.