Final answer:
A nurse is typically the first health professional a patient encounters. Pharmacists also play an essential role in the healthcare system by advising on and dispensing medication after a physician's prescription.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first health professional a patient will typically encounter is A) Nurse. Nurses are often the first point of contact within the healthcare setting, providing initial assessments and care before a patient sees a physician. While pharmacists play a crucial role in dispensing medications and advising on their proper use, patients generally meet them after receiving a prescription from a physician. Pharmacists, with their extensive knowledge in chemistry and biology, also provide valuable health services by guiding both physicians and patients on medication selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects, ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals.