When a client in labor arrives from the ER with no prenatal care and states that the baby is crowning, what is the first information the nurse should obtain?

In the scenario presented, when a client in labor arrives with the baby crowning, it is crucial for the nurse to quickly assess key details for safe and effective management. The estimated date of birth is vital because it helps the healthcare team to determine the gestational age of the fetus. Knowing the gestational age is essential in assessing potential complications that may arise during labor and delivery, especially considering that this client has had no prenatal care.

Additionally, understanding whether the baby is preterm, term, or post-term greatly influences the management decisions made during delivery and the immediate care of the newborn after birth. This is particularly significant if there are complications anticipated based on the baby’s gestational age.

While amniotic fluid status, gravida and parity, and prenatal history are all relevant pieces of information, they come into play after ensuring that the immediate context of the baby’s age has been established. Prompt assessment of the estimated date of birth supports appropriate clinical actions and ensures the health and safety of both the mother and the infant.