Final answer:
The nurse should touch the infant's cheek to elicit the rooting reflex, helping the baby to turn its head and begin to suck, initiating breastfeeding. Positioning the baby for a proper latch is also crucial for effective nursing.
Step-by-step explanation:
After her baby's birth, a client who wishes to begin breastfeeding can be assisted by the nurse in several ways. The correct action for the nurse to take would be to touch the infant's cheek adjacent to the nipple to elicit the rooting reflex. This action will help the baby naturally turn its head and begin to suck, which is crucial for initiating breastfeeding. This reflex, along with the suckling reflex where newborns instinctively suck on a nipple placed in their mouth, supports the infant in feeding and surviving. The nurse could also help position the baby to ensure a proper latch for effective nursing. It is less advantageous to give the infant a bottle first, as this may cause nipple confusion, and leaving the family alone does not provide direct assistance with breastfeeding initiation.