When a client in active labor reports that her water just broke and the baby is breech, what is the nurse's first action?

Checking fetal heart tones is the most immediate priority when a client in active labor reports that her water has broken and the baby is breech. This is crucial because it assesses the well-being of the fetus immediately following the rupture of membranes. The presence of abnormal fetal heart tones can indicate fetal distress, which may require urgent intervention.

While preparing for a cesarean section, contacting the physician, or administering IV fluids are important considerations in the overall management of a breech presentation and possible complications from ruptured membranes, none of these actions address immediate fetal assessment. Ensuring that the fetus is safe and responding appropriately should come first, as it directly influences subsequent care decisions and intervention strategies. Evaluating fetal heart tones can guide whether additional actions, such as performing a cesarean section or implementing other emergency protocols, are necessary.