Which action should take precedence when caring for a pregnant client presenting with symptoms of preeclampsia?

When caring for a pregnant client presenting with symptoms of preeclampsia, assessing maternal blood pressure takes precedence due to its direct implications on both maternal and fetal health. Preeclampsia is characterized by elevated blood pressure and often requires immediate intervention to prevent serious complications such as stroke, placental abruption, or the progression to eclampsia, which can be life-threatening.

Monitoring maternal blood pressure helps to identify the severity of the condition and guides the urgency of further interventions. High blood pressure can lead to compromised blood flow to the placenta, affecting fetal well-being. If the blood pressure is significantly elevated, it may necessitate immediate administration of antihypertensive medications or preparation for delivery.

While monitoring the fetal heart rate is important for assessing fetal well-being, it is secondary to ensuring maternal stability through blood pressure assessment. Encouraging increased physical activity is contraindicated in cases of preeclampsia, as it may exacerbate the condition. While magnesium sulfate is a key treatment to prevent seizures associated with severe preeclampsia, the decision to administer it should be based on a thorough initial assessment, including blood pressure evaluation. Therefore, the critical first step is to assess the maternal blood pressure to establish the necessary care plan.