During the Initial Intrapartal Assessment of a Patient in Early

During the initial intrapartal assessment of a patient in early labor, the nurse performs a vaginal examination. The patient's partner asks why this pelvic exam needs to be done. The nurse should explain that the purpose of the vaginal exam is to obtain information about the:

A) Uterine contraction pattern.
B) Fetal position.
C) Presence of the mucous plug.
D) Cervical dilation and effacement.
E) Presenting part.