A client who is at full-term gestation is in active labor and complains of a cramp in her leg. Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement?

A. Check the pedal pulse in the affected leg: Assessing circulation is important when vascular compromise is suspected, but a leg cramp during labor is typically due to muscle spasm, not circulatory problems. The priority is relieving discomfort through positioning. B. Massage the calf and foot: Massaging the calf is contraindicated until a circulatory issue, such as a deep vein thrombosis, is ruled out. Manipulating the area could dislodge a clot if one were present, posing a serious risk. C. Elevate the leg above the heart: Elevating the leg may reduce swelling but will not relieve a muscle cramp caused by strain or poor positioning during labor. It does not directly address the muscle tension responsible for the pain. D. Extend the leg and flex the foot: This action stretches the gastrocnemius muscle and relieves the spasm causing the cramp. It is the safest and most effective immediate intervention for muscle cramps in laboring clients.