A client who is 37 weeks gestation comes to the women's health clinic reporting an excruciating headache. On examination, the nurse determines the client has an elevated blood pressure. Which action should the nurse implement next?

A. Collect a urine sample to screen for protein: At 37 weeks gestation, an excruciating headache with elevated blood pressure may indicate preeclampsia. Screening for proteinuria is essential to assess for this condition and determine the need for urgent intervention. B. Ask about a history of delivering large babies: While macrosomia is associated with gestational diabetes, it does not directly address the acute concern of elevated blood pressure and headache in late pregnancy. C. Establish the frequency of headaches: Understanding headache patterns may be informative, but the priority is identifying signs of preeclampsia or hypertensive crisis that require immediate assessment and treatment. D. Examine the client for pedal edema: Edema is a common finding in late pregnancy and less specific for preeclampsia than proteinuria. Assessment for proteinuria takes priority when elevated blood pressure and severe headache are present.