Final answer:
A nurse should assess for dehydration and hypovolemia when a client in active labor is sweating profusely with minimal urine output, and may need to administer IV fluids or encourage fluid intake after consulting with a healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client in active labor is sweating profusely with minimal urine output, the nurse should intervene to assess for signs of dehydration and possible hypovolemia. Excessive sweating can lead to fluid loss, and minimal urine output could indicate that the body is trying to conserve fluid. The nurse should assess vital signs, skin turgor, mucous membranes, and blood pressure to determine the level of hydration and then consult with the healthcare provider regarding potential interventions such as increasing fluid intake or administering IV fluids if necessary. Additionally, the nurse should encourage the client to drink fluids if she is able and monitor fetal heart rate and contraction patterns to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.