Ace the 2026 NCLEX Antepartum & Intrapartum Test – Tackle Pregnancy & Delivery Like a Pro!

Determining maternal and fetal vital signs is the initial action the nurse should take upon admittance to the birthing center for a client in early labor. This is vital to ensure both the mother and the fetus are stable before proceeding with further assessments or interventions. Evaluating these vital signs includes checking maternal heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, alongside the fetal heart rate. These assessments help establish a baseline and identify any immediate concerns that may need to be addressed, ensuring the safety and health of both mother and baby during the early stages of labor.

While performing a vaginal exam can provide information about cervical dilation and effacement, it is not prioritized above assessing vital signs at the point of admission. Initiating an IV line may become necessary later in the process, especially if medications or hydration are warranted, but it is not the first action. Similarly, assessing the client's pain level is important for managing comfort and care, yet the priority remains on ensuring the physiological stability of both the mother and fetus before delving into more specific assessments.