A laboring client at 35 weeks gestation comes to the labor and delivery unit with preterm rupture of membranes "about 18 hours ago." The client's group B Streptococcus status is unknown. What intervention is a priority for this client?

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Group B Streptococcus (GBS) may be present as part of normal vaginal flora in up to 30% of pregnant clients. Although colonization with GBS rarely poses harm to the client, it can be transmitted to the newborn during labor and birth, resulting in serious complications (eg, neonatal GBS sepsis, pneumonia). Pregnant clients are tested for GBS colonization at 35-37 weeks gestation and receive prophylactic antibiotics during labor if results are positive. If GBS status is unknown, antibiotics are typically indicated when membranes have been ruptured for ≥18 hours, maternal temperature is ≥100.4 F (38 C), or gestation is <37 weeks (Option A). (Option B) Part of the client's assessment includes evaluation of the uterine contraction pattern. However, the client and newborn are at risk for infection due to prolonged rupture of membranes and unknown GBS status, so antibiotic administration is the priority. (Option C) A urine specimen is often collected to evaluate for proteinuria in clients with elevated blood pressure or to assess for urinary tract infection in symptomatic clients. Urine specimen collection is not the priority for this client. (Option D) Vaginal examinations should be limited in the presence of ruptured membranes. Multiple vaginal examinations in such a client correlate with an increased risk for infection (eg, chorioamnionitis). Educational objective: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection can be transmitted to the newborn during labor and birth and cause serious complications. Indications for prophylactic antibiotics during labor include maternal GBS-positive status or unknown GBS status with fever ≥100.4 F (38 C), preterm gestation, and/or prolonged rupture of membranes.

A Laboring Client at 35 Weeks Gestation Comes to the Labor