A nurse is assisting with the initiation of epidural analgesia for a client who is in the second stage of labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Monitor the client's vital signs every hour following the procedure: Vital signs, especially blood pressure, should be monitored more frequently—usually every 5 to 15 minutes immediately after epidural initiation—to assess for hypotension, a common complication. B. Review the client's platelet count level prior to the procedure: A low platelet count increases the risk of epidural hematoma during needle insertion. Reviewing coagulation status is essential to ensure it's safe to proceed with epidural placement. C. Inform the client that their bladder should be full before the procedure: The bladder should be emptied, not full, prior to the procedure. A full bladder increases discomfort, impairs fetal descent, and may lead to urinary retention after the epidural is placed. D. Obtain the client's consent following the procedure: Informed consent must be obtained before any invasive procedure, including epidural anesthesia. Performing the procedure without prior consent violates patient autonomy and legal standards.