Which actions should the nurse anticipate for a pregnant client in the labor unit with brisk vaginal bleeding?

In the context of a pregnant client in the labor unit experiencing brisk vaginal bleeding, electronic fetal monitoring is a crucial action to anticipate. This monitoring is imperative for assessing the fetal heart rate and overall fetal well-being, especially in the presence of significant bleeding. The cause of the bleeding could indicate potential fetal distress, necessitating immediate awareness of any changes in the fetal heart patterns. Monitoring allows healthcare providers to quickly identify if the fetus is in jeopardy and to make timely decisions regarding further interventions, such as possible cesarean delivery or other emergency measures.

While blood draws, IV catheter initiation, and pad counts are important in the management of a bleeding patient, the priority in this scenario is to ensure fetal safety. Close and continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate facilitates swift responses to any signs of compromise to the fetus, which is critical in a setting where the mother's condition could lead to rapid changes in fetal status.