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?

Choice A rationale Collecting a urine sample to screen for protein is essential as proteinuria is a key indicator of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage during pregnancy. Early detection is vital to manage the condition and prevent complications. Choice B rationale Asking about a history of delivering large babies (macrosomia) is not immediately relevant to the current symptoms of headache and elevated blood pressure, which are more indicative of hypertensive disorders rather than previous birth weights. Choice C rationale Examining the client for pedal edema is important but not the immediate priority. While edema can be associated with preeclampsia, the presence of proteinuria and elevated blood pressure are more critical indicators that need to be addressed first. Choice D rationale Establishing the frequency of headaches is useful information but not the immediate priority. The combination of an excruciating headache and elevated blood pressure necessitates a more urgent assessment for preeclampsia, starting with a urine sample for protein.