The nurse is admitting a client, who reports, 'My water broke yesterday, and I haven't felt my baby move any today.' She is 38 weeks with a history of gestational diabetes. Which assessment data is of most concern to the nurse on admission?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because minimal variability and variable decelerations on fetal heart monitoring indicate fetal distress, which is a critical concern. Minimal variability suggests the baby's nervous system is compromised, and decelerations can indicate umbilical cord compression or placental insufficiency, possibly leading to fetal hypoxia. This situation requires immediate intervention to prevent potential harm to the baby.
Choice A is incorrect as the vital signs are slightly elevated but not as concerning as fetal distress. Choice B is incorrect as pain score is subjective and not as critical as fetal well-being. Choice D is incorrect as cervical dilation/effacement/station is important for labor progress but not as concerning as fetal distress in this scenario.