What is the priority nursing intervention for a client with placenta previa experiencing vaginal bleeding?

In the case of a client with placenta previa experiencing vaginal bleeding, the priority nursing intervention is maintaining bed rest. This approach is crucial because it helps minimize further bleeding and reduces the risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus. Bed rest can help lessen the strain on the placenta and prevent additional trauma, which is particularly important when there is active vaginal bleeding.

Other interventions, while important, are not as immediate or critical. Planning for an ultrasound test is helpful for diagnosis and management but does not directly address the acute situation of bleeding. A nonstress test, which assesses fetal well-being, is valuable but also secondary to stabilizing the mother's condition. Administering oxygen could be necessary in specific instances of fetal distress or maternal hypoxia, but in the context of vaginal bleeding with placenta previa, ensuring the mother is at rest takes precedence to prevent worsening of the bleeding and ensure optimal conditions for both mother and baby.