A nurse is admitting a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has a diagnosis of placenta previa. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

A. Monitoring vaginal bleeding is important, but establishing immediate access for fluid resuscitation or blood transfusion takes priority in case of sudden hemorrhage. B. Inserting an IV catheter is the priority because clients with placenta previa are at high risk for rapid, severe bleeding. Having IV access ensures quick administration of fluids or blood products to maintain maternal hemodynamic stability. C. Administering glucocorticoids may be indicated to promote fetal lung maturity if preterm delivery is anticipated, but this is secondary to ensuring maternal safety. D. Applying an external fetal monitor helps assess fetal status, but it does not address the immediate risk of maternal hemorrhage, making it a lower priority than establishing IV access.