What action should the nurse take for a prenatal patient presenting with severe abdominal pain and spotting?

In the scenario of a prenatal patient experiencing severe abdominal pain and spotting, the priority action for the nurse is to assess the patient immediately and notify the healthcare provider. This approach is crucial because severe abdominal pain and spotting during pregnancy can indicate serious complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or miscarriage.

Prompt assessment allows the nurse to gather vital information about the patient’s condition, such as the severity and location of the pain, the amount and characteristics of the spotting, and any associated symptoms like dizziness or changes in vital signs. This information is vital for the healthcare provider to make informed decisions regarding further diagnostic testing and management.

Notifying the healthcare provider immediately ensures that the patient receives timely intervention, which is critical in situations that may threaten the pregnancy or the mother's health. Quick and effective communication with the healthcare team can facilitate necessary interventions, such as imaging studies or other assessments, or potentially urgent care if indicated.

While monitoring vital signs is important and would typically be part of the overall assessment, it does not directly address the need for immediate evaluation and intervention in this context. Additionally, scheduling an ultrasound and encouraging the patient to rest are actions that may be appropriate later but do not address the acute nature of the patient’s presentation.