During a wellness visit, what should the nurse do after assessing a 36-month-old child's height and weight?

After assessing a 36-month-old child's height and weight, it is important for the nurse to consider the child's overall growth patterns and health status in the context of their family background. Assessing the parents' body shape and stature can provide insight into genetic factors that may influence the child's growth and development. Growth patterns in children are often influenced by the parental heights and general body compositions, so understanding the family's physical traits can help in evaluating whether the child's growth is within a typical range or if there may be cause for further monitoring or concern.

Discussing the child's developmental milestones is also essential, but this typically follows the physical assessment rather than being an immediate next step. Referring the child to a specialist might be warranted if there are evident concerns following assessments, but this is not a standard procedure after a height and weight assessment alone. Scheduling a follow-up appointment may be necessary based on findings, but it doesn’t directly inform immediate understanding of the child's growth in relation to parental characteristics.