A nulliparous client telephones the labor and delivery unit to report that she is in labor. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Emphasize that food and fluid intake should stop.
• B. Tell the woman to stay home until her membranes rupture.
• C. Ask the client to describe why she thinks she is in labor.
• D. Suggest the client to come to the hospital for labor evaluation.

Answer: (C)

Assessing labor status begins with asking the client to describe why she believes she is in labor. This helps distinguish true labor from false labor and guides what to do next. By eliciting specifics about her symptoms, you gather essential clues: the pattern of contractions (how long they last, how often they occur, and whether they are becoming more regular and stronger), whether contractions are progressively painful, whether the membranes have ruptured (leaking fluid), and whether there is vaginal bleeding or a bloody show, along with fetal movement. If the contractions are regular, increasingly frequent, and intensity is rising, and there is rupture of membranes or other signs of labor, it’s appropriate to advise coming in for labor evaluation. If contractions are irregular and do not show a pattern of progression, and membranes haven’t ruptured, you can provide guidance for at-home management and clear warning signs to return. Asking her to describe her experience is the critical first step to determine the next safe, appropriate action.