Final answer:
The nurse should first ask the patient about their travel history, as the symptoms described could be indicative of a travel-related infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should first ask the patient about their travel history, as the symptoms described (fever and diarrhea) could be indicative of a travel-related infection. This is especially important if the patient has recently traveled to a region known for infectious diseases.
For example, in the case of Alex, the college student who vacationed in Mexico, his symptoms of abdominal cramping and watery diarrhea could be associated with a travel-related infection like traveler's diarrhea.
By obtaining a thorough travel history, the nurse can gather important information to help guide further assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.