What is an important nursing intervention for women experiencing preterm rupture of membranes?

Monitoring for signs of infection is a crucial nursing intervention for women experiencing preterm rupture of membranes. When the membranes rupture before the onset of labor, there is a risk of introducing bacteria into the uterus, which can lead to chorioamnionitis, a serious infection of the amniotic fluid and membranes. This infection poses risks to both the mother and the fetus, including sepsis and potential preterm labor complications.

Healthcare providers need to closely observe for any signs of infection, such as elevated maternal temperature, increased fetal heart rate, and changes in the character or odor of vaginal discharge. By monitoring these signs, nurses can quickly identify any potential infections and facilitate prompt medical intervention, which can help ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.

In contrast, the other interventions listed, while they may have their specific indications in other contexts, do not specifically address the immediate concern of preventing infection resulting from preterm rupture of membranes. Encouraging ambulation may not be appropriate in this situation, administering tocolytics focuses on suppressing contractions rather than infection control, and increasing fluid intake could be beneficial in certain scenarios but does not directly relate to infection prevention.