A client is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with contractions noted at 3 minutes apart lasting 45-60 seconds each. She is verbal, alert, and oriented, with clear lungs but an increased respiratory rate, and a regular but elevated cardiac rhythm. The nurse's admission note indicates the client's bed is in a low, locked position, with one side rail up and the call bell in reach, and the fetal heart monitor belt is in place. What is the most critical immediate action for the nurse to take based on this assessment?