What is a nurse's primary action when a multigravida client exhibits symptoms of choking during labor?

In the scenario where a multigravida client exhibits symptoms of choking during labor, the primary action for the nurse is to check for airway obstruction. This is critical because choking indicates that the airway may be compromised, which can quickly lead to hypoxia and more severe complications if not addressed immediately. The nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure the client's airway is clear and to assess the situation critically.

Checking for airway obstruction involves determining whether the client is able to breathe, speak, or cough. If the patient can still make sounds or cough, it often indicates that the airway is partially obstructed, and the nurse can encourage the client to continue coughing to expel the obstruction. If the client cannot do any of those things, the nurse must act quickly to provide appropriate interventions, such as the Heimlich maneuver or calling for additional help if needed.

While administering oxygen may be necessary later if the client is in distress or has low oxygen saturation, it does not address the immediate life-threatening concern of an airway blockage. Likewise, calling for emergency assistance is vital if the situation escalates, but the first step remains to assess and ensure the airway is not obstructed. Hydration, although important for overall labor management, is not pertinent to addressing choking symptoms.