While playing at the park with her children, the nurse notes a toddler who has honey-colored crusts and open areas on the lips and nose. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

a. No action is required, as the child is exhibiting symptoms of a common cold and medications will not alter the child's symptoms.
b. Ask the child's parent if the child has food allergies and suggest the use of an antihistamine.
c. Inform the child's parent that the child may have a common bacterial infection and should be seen by a physician for topical or systemic antibiotics.
d. Suggest the child's parent seek treatment for suspected thrush with an oral antifungal agent.