Final answer:
The most critical nursing action after a spontaneous amniotomy is monitoring the fetal heart rate to ensure the fetus's well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing action that has the highest priority when the laboring patient experiences a spontaneous amniotomy is c) Monitoring fetal heart rate. This is crucial because the fetal heart rate can indicate how the fetus is tolerating labor, particularly after the amniotic sac has ruptured. Changes in the heart rate pattern can signal distress, such as cord compression or placental insufficiency. Therefore, close monitoring is necessary to ensure the safety of the fetus during labor.
When a laboring patient experiences a spontaneous amniotomy, which is the rupture of the amniotic sac, the nursing action with the highest priority is monitoring fetal heart rate. This is because a spontaneous amniotomy can put the fetus at risk for umbilical cord compression or prolapse, which can affect the baby's oxygen supply. By continuously monitoring the fetal heart rate, the nurse can identify any changes or signs of distress and take appropriate action.