An LPN visits a 29-year-old client who is G2P1 at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Her previous BP was 118/72 mm Hg. Today she reports a severe headache and blurred vision, and BP is 158/98 mm Hg. She has new bilateral ankle edema; the fetal heart rate is 138/min. She asks whether she only needs to rest after being on her feet. Which action should the LPN take first?
- Finish the planned nutrition teaching before contacting the RN or obstetric clinician.
- Reassure her that the findings are expected late-pregnancy changes because the fetal heart rate is reassuring.
- Immediately contact the RN or obstetric clinician and facilitate urgent maternal evaluation.
- Independently establish a home-management plan for the new symptoms before seeking an obstetric evaluation.