At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. After determining that delivery is not imminent, you begin transport. While en route, the mother tells you that she feels the urge to push. You assess her and see the top of the baby's head bulging from the vagina. What is your most appropriate first action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate first action is to advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery. When the baby's head is visible and delivery is imminent, it is crucial to provide immediate assistance to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Allowing the head to deliver and checking for the location of the cord (Choice A) may delay necessary actions during an imminent delivery. Instructing the mother to take short, quick breaths (Choice C) is not suitable as active delivery is already in progress. Preparing the mother for an emergency delivery and opening the obstetrics kit (Choice D) is not the most immediate action needed when the baby's head is already visible and delivery is imminent.