A nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation, is in active labor, and has ruptured membranes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Initiate an oxytocin IV infusion. Oxytocin may be used to augment labor, but it should not be started immediately without first assessing maternal and fetal well-being. Continuous monitoring is necessary before initiating any uterotonic agent. B. Apply a fetal heart rate monitor. After rupture of membranes, assessing the fetal heart rate is critical to detect signs of umbilical cord prolapse or fetal distress. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring helps evaluate the baby's response to labor. C. Initiate fundal massage. Fundal massage is performed after delivery of the placenta to help contract the uterus and reduce postpartum bleeding. It is not appropriate during active labor. D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. A catheter may be placed if necessary during labor, especially before epidural anesthesia, but it is not the immediate priority following membrane rupture. Fetal monitoring takes precedence.