After administering nalbuphine to a multigravida client, what should the nurse do upon the client's report of feeling the urge to have a bowel movement?

When a client reports feeling the urge to have a bowel movement after receiving nalbuphine, it is a significant indication that the baby may be descending into the birth canal and that labor could be progressing. The urge to have a bowel movement can often mimic the sensations associated with the pushing stage of labor. Therefore, performing a vaginal examination is essential to assess the current state of labor, specifically looking at dilation, effacement, and station of the fetus.

This assessment helps determine how far the client has progressed in labor and whether the birth is imminent. It is critical for the nurse to monitor contractions and understand the cervical status, as these factors are essential in predicting the timing of delivery. Promptly assessing the situation ensures that appropriate actions are taken, such as preparing for birth if the client is in the later stages of labor.

The other options may be relevant in different contexts but do not address the immediate need to assess the labor progression indicated by the client's report. For instance, having naloxone available is more appropriate in situations where there is suspected opioid overdose complications rather than when assessing labor progression. Documenting the client's relief is also important but is secondary to responding to changes in labor status. Preparing for birth is dependent on the assessment findings from a vaginal