What is the first action the nurse should take when counseling a 14-year-old patient who is 16 weeks pregnant regarding nutrition?

Understanding the nutritional needs and habits of a 14-year-old patient who is 16 weeks pregnant is critical for providing appropriate counseling. The first action the nurse should take is to ask about the patient's recent eating habits. This approach allows the nurse to gather essential information about the patient’s current dietary patterns, preferences, and any potential barriers to healthy eating.

Engaging the patient in a conversation about their eating habits creates an open environment for discussion, enables the nurse to assess the adequacy of the patient’s nutrition, and helps identify areas for improvement. It also ensures that the counseling provided is tailored to the patient's specific context, preferences, and lifestyle, making it more effective. By focusing on the individual’s existing habits, the nurse can then provide targeted advice and support that aligns with the patient's needs, fostering a collaborative relationship that is especially important in adolescent healthcare.

Starting with an assessment allows for a more personalized approach that can lead to better outcomes in prenatal care as it encourages the patient to actively participate in their nutritional management.