Final answer:
The top priority when a prolapsed cord is suspected after amniotic membrane rupture is to monitor fetal heart rate due to the risk of compromised blood flow and oxygen to the baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a pregnant woman's amniotic membranes rupture and a prolapsed cord is suspected, the top priority intervention is to monitor fetal heart rate. This is a critical situation where the umbilical cord might protrude from the cervix into the vaginal canal before the baby is delivered, which can compromise blood flow and oxygen to the baby, potentially leading to serious outcomes.
After the membranes rupture, labor typically begins within a day. This rupture, often described as "breaking water," can lead to a risk of umbilical cord prolapse, especially when the fetal head has not yet engaged in the mother's pelvis. Monitoring fetal heart rate is essential for assessing fetal well-being and determining the urgency of medical intervention such as an emergency C-section.