A 38-week pregnant patient in active labor is experiencing frequent and painful contractions. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for delivery. At 38 weeks of gestation and in active labor, the most appropriate action is to prepare for delivery as the patient is likely to be close to giving birth. This involves ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are ready, notifying the healthcare team, and positioning the patient for delivery. Administering narcotic analgesics (choice A) may not be ideal at this stage as the priority is the imminent delivery. While emotional support and reassurance (choice B) are important, they should be provided alongside preparing for delivery. Assessing the fetal heart rate and contraction patterns (choice C) is crucial but should be done concurrently with preparing for delivery to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.