What should be included in the plan of care for a pregnant client with elevated blood pressure?

In the plan of care for a pregnant client with elevated blood pressure, frequent reassessment of blood pressure is crucial. This ongoing monitoring allows for the detection of any significant changes in the client’s condition, which is essential for timely intervention. Elevated blood pressure in pregnancy can indicate conditions such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can pose serious risks to both the mother and the fetus.

Consistent blood pressure checks help healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding the management of the condition, including when to initiate treatments or interventions. Monitoring also helps in determining whether the elevated readings are persistent or if they improve, which can guide adjustments to the care plan.

While other options may be important in a comprehensive care plan, such as assessing fetal heart rate to ensure fetal well-being or educating the client on signs of complications, these do not address the immediate need for close monitoring of the mother's blood pressure, which is vital for ensuring maternal and fetal safety. Increasing activity levels without medical advice may not be appropriate, especially if hypertension could lead to complications such as falls or other injuries.