A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a toddler who has poor dietary intake. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Offer the child nutritious snacks between meals: Providing healthy snacks can improve caloric intake in toddlers. However, implementing interventions without first understanding the child’s usual eating patterns may overlook underlying causes of poor intake. B. Instruct the family to praise the child when they eat: Positive reinforcement can encourage eating behaviors in young children. This strategy is more effective after the nurse has assessed contributing factors and tailored education to the family’s needs. C. Obtain the child's dietary history: Collecting a detailed dietary history is the priority initial action. It allows the nurse to assess patterns, preferences, cultural factors, and potential deficiencies before planning appropriate interventions. D. Encourage the family to be with the child during mealtimes: Family presence during meals can support healthy eating habits in toddlers. However, this intervention should follow assessment to ensure it addresses the specific factors contributing to poor intake.