For a client with placenta previa at 35 weeks of gestation, what is the priority nursing action?

The priority nursing action for a client with placenta previa at 35 weeks of gestation is to initiate continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate. Continuous fetal heart rate monitoring is essential in this situation because it allows the healthcare team to assess the well-being of the fetus and detect any signs of distress that may arise due to compromised blood flow or other complications associated with placenta previa.

Monitoring the fetal heart rate closely enables timely interventions if a concerning pattern is noted, such as decreased variability or decelerations, which could indicate fetal compromise. Since placenta previa can increase the risk of hemorrhage and maternal and fetal complications, understanding the fetal status becomes crucial for ensuring a safe delivery plan, especially as the pregnancy nears term.

While administering betamethasone could help accelerate fetal lung maturation in the event of an early delivery, it is not the immediate priority compared to monitoring fetal well-being. Checking the cervix for dilation every 8 hours may not provide the necessary immediate information regarding fetal status and could potentially aggravate bleeding risks associated with placenta previa. Requesting misoprostol, typically used for cervical ripening or managing postpartum hemorrhage, is not indicated at this stage and could also pose risks depending on the placenta's position. Therefore, the best course