system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 37-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2, at 35 weeks' gestation is brought to the emergency department for the evaluation of lower abdominal and back pain and vaginal bleeding that started one hour ago. She has had no prenatal care. Her first two pregnancies were uncomplicated and her children were delivered vaginally. The patient smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 20 years; she reduced to half a pack every 2 days during her pregnancies. Her pulse is 80/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg. The uterus is tender, and regular hypertonic contractions are felt every 2 minutes. There is dark blood on the vulva, the introitus, and on the medial aspect of both thighs bilaterally. The fetus is in a cephalic presentation. The fetal heart rate is 158/min and reactive with no decelerations. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
assistant
Vaginal delivery