Before administering nalbuphine to a patient in active labor who requests a bowel movement, what should the nurse do first?

Before administering nalbuphine to a patient in active labor, evaluating the client's cervix is essential. This assessment helps determine the progress of labor and the patient's readiness for medication, as nalbuphine is an opioid analgesic used to manage pain during labor.

Assessing the cervix allows the nurse to understand how far along the patient is in labor, including dilation and effacement. If the patient is fully dilated or nearing that stage, administering nalbuphine may not be appropriate, as the medication can affect the fetal heart rate and may not provide adequate pain relief if delivery is imminent. Additionally, if the cervix indicates that the patient is not yet in the second stage of labor and is requesting a bowel movement, it could suggest that the baby is in the process of descending and the nurse may need to prepare for delivery instead.

In this context, evaluating the cervix ensures that the nurse makes an informed decision regarding further interventions, promoting the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.