A nurse is caring for a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and experiences a spontaneous rupture of membranes before labor has begun. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Administer betamethasone to the client: Betamethasone is given to promote fetal lung maturity in preterm labor, typically before 34 weeks of gestation. At 37 weeks, the fetus is considered term, so corticosteroids are not indicated. B. Administer magnesium sulfate to the client: Magnesium sulfate is used for neuroprotection in preterm labor or for seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia. Since this client is at term without preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate is not indicated. C. Monitor fetal heart rate every 4 hr: Continuous or frequent fetal heart rate monitoring is recommended after spontaneous rupture of membranes to detect signs of fetal distress or infection. Monitoring only every 4 hours is insufficient. D. Monitor the client's temperature every 2 hr: Maternal infection, such as chorioamnionitis, is a significant risk after spontaneous rupture of membranes. Monitoring the client’s temperature every 2 hours allows early detection of infection and timely intervention.