What immediate action should be taken for a mother experiencing complications during labor?

The most appropriate immediate action for a mother experiencing complications during labor is performing continuous fetal monitoring. This action allows for real-time assessment of the fetal heart rate and rhythm, providing critical information about the well-being of the fetus. Continuous monitoring helps identify any signs of fetal distress, such as changes in the heart rate that might suggest hypoxia or other complications, allowing for timely intervention to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

While other actions like administering a general anesthetic or inducing labor can be necessary under specific conditions, they do not directly address the immediate need to monitor the fetal condition during a situation where complications arise. Reassuring the mother without any interventions might lead to a delay in necessary actions if the fetus is in distress. Therefore, ensuring continuous fetal monitoring is vital in managing complications effectively during labor.