Final answer:
The nurse should first obtain a 24-hr dietary recall in order to understand the client's current eating habits and identify areas for improvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should first obtain a 24-hr dietary recall in order to understand the client's current eating habits and identify areas for improvement. This will provide valuable information about the client's calorie intake, meal frequency, and food choices. By assessing the client's current dietary patterns, the nurse can identify specific areas for diet modification and develop a personalized plan for weight loss. Once the dietary recall is obtained, the nurse can then recommend checking weight once weekly, assist with creating an exercise plan, and initiate a plan for diet modification based on the client's individual needs and goals.