A nurse is caring for a client who presents to a labor and delivery unit experiencing rapidly progressing labor. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

The correct answer is C.

A. Calcium: While calcium is important for bone health, it is not specifically increased during early pregnancy. Adequate calcium intake is important throughout pregnancy, but the focus on increased intake typically occurs later in pregnancy to support fetal bone development.

B. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is important for overall health, but there is not a specific emphasis on increasing vitamin E intake in the early stages of pregnancy. It is generally included as part of a balanced diet.

C. Iron: This is the correct answer. Iron needs increase during pregnancy to support the increased blood volume and prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Adequate iron is crucial for the transport of oxygen to the developing fetus.

D. Vitamin D: While vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function, its increase is not specific to the early stages of pregnancy. Adequate vitamin D intake is essential throughout pregnancy, but it is not singled out as needing a significant increase at 8 weeks of gestation.

A. After notifying the provider, the nurse should massage the client’s fundus. This action helps to contract the uterus and reduce bleeding, which is crucial in managing hypovolemic shock due to postpartum hemorrhage.

B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: This action is important for monitoring urine output, which is a key indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. However, it is not the immediate priority when managing hypovolemic shock due to postpartum hemorrhage.

C. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min: Providing oxygen is crucial to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, especially in a shock state. While important, it comes after addressing the source of bleeding, which is the primary cause of the hypovolemic shock.

D. Elevate the client’s right hip: This action helps to prevent uterine displacement and improve venous return, which can be beneficial. However, it is not the first step in managing hypovolemic shock due to postpartum hemorrhage.