Which Action Should the Nurse Take First When a Patient

Which action should the nurse take first when a patient calls the clinic complaining of diarrhea of 24 hours' duration?

A) Ask the patient to describe the character of the stools and any associated symptoms.
B) Inform the patient that laboratory testing of blood and stool specimens will be necessary.
C) Suggest that the patient drink clear liquid fluids with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte.
D) Advise the patient to use over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to slow gastrointestinal (GI) motility.