For a client at 30-weeks gestation with irregular contractions, what is the first intervention a nurse should implement?

For a client at 30 weeks gestation experiencing irregular contractions, the primary focus is to assess the underlying causes of these contractions effectively. Obtaining a specimen for urine analysis is important because it helps identify potential issues such as dehydration, urinary tract infections, or other factors that could contribute to preterm labor.

Urine analysis can reveal abnormalities that may lead to increased uterine activity, making it a critical initial assessment tool. This early intervention allows for a more accurate understanding of the client's condition and guides further management decisions.

While oral hydration might be a beneficial intervention in cases of mild dehydration, it is not the first step without first assessing potential underlying causes. Similarly, placing the client on strict bedrest could be considered, but it does not address the need for further evaluation of why contractions are occurring. Conducting a CBC may be helpful, but it is typically not the first priority in this specific scenario regarding immediate intervention for irregular contractions.