Upon noting yellow, foul-smelling amniotic fluid after a client's membranes rupture, what should the nurse prioritize?

When yellow, foul-smelling amniotic fluid is observed after the rupture of membranes, this phenomenon is indicative of potential infection or meconium-stained fluid. Prioritizing the contact with the physician is crucial because the presence of foul-smelling fluid suggests the possibility of complications such as chorioamnionitis or fetal distress. Prompt medical intervention may be necessary to manage these risks effectively.

The urgency of contacting the physician is based on the need for further assessment and immediate intervention. Infection during labor can lead to serious outcomes for both the mother and the fetus, making it essential to escalate the situation to the healthcare provider quickly.

While documentation of findings and monitoring of the client and fetal heart rate (FHR) are important components of nursing care, these actions follow the urgent need to communicate critical observations to the physician, who can initiate appropriate treatment protocols. Checking the fluid for protein does not address the immediate concern of infection or other complications associated with the foul-smelling amniotic fluid. Hence, the correct priority is to contact the physician.