A nurse in is caring for a client who is to undergo an amniotomy. Which of the following is the priority nursing action following this procedure?

A. Assessing the client’s temperature is important to monitor for infection, but it is not the immediate priority. B. Assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern is the priority because an amniotomy can trigger cord compression or prolapse, which may compromise fetal oxygenation. Early identification of changes in FHR allows prompt intervention to prevent fetal hypoxia or distress. C. Observing the color and consistency of the amniotic fluid is important for identifying meconium-stained fluid or infection, but fetal well-being takes precedence. D. Evaluating for signs of infection such as chills or uterine tenderness is important, but these typically develop hours later; immediate FHR monitoring addresses the most urgent risk.