The nurse is caring for a full-term, nonmedicated, primiparous client who is in the transition stage of labor. The client is writhing in pain and saying, "Help me, help me!" Her last vaginal exam 1 hour ago showed that she was 8 cm dilated, +1 station, and in what appeared to be a comfortable position. What does the nurse anticipate as the highest priority intervention in caring for this client?a) Help the client through contractions until a narcotic can be given.
b) Ask the client for suggestions to make her more comfortable.
c) Palpate the bladder to see if it has become distended.
d) Perform a vaginal examination to determine if the client is fully dilated.