A nurse is assessing an 18-month-old toddler at a wellness visit in the health care provider's office. During the assessment, the nurse asks the parent about developmental milestones. The parent states that the toddler has not said their first word yet. Which of the following priority actions by the nurse is accurate?

A. Complete a screening test for autism spectrum disorder (ASD): By 12 months, most toddlers use simple words such as “mama” or “dada” with meaning. Absence of first words by 18 months is a red flag for possible developmental delay, including ASD, and warrants immediate standardized screening to allow early identification and intervention. B. Ask the parent if the toddler has a history of hospitalizations or surgeries: Past medical history is relevant, but it does not address the immediate developmental concern of delayed expressive language. Developmental screening takes priority when milestone delays are identified. C. Ask the parent about recent immunizations: Immunization history is important for preventive care but is unrelated to delayed speech development and does not guide immediate assessment or intervention for language delay. D. Educate the parent that toddlers do not typically say their first word until 18–20 months of age: Most toddlers speak their first meaningful word well before 18 months. Providing reassurance without further evaluation delays necessary screening and early referral.