A nurse is caring for a 37-year-old G3P2 client who is at 14 weeks of gestation. The client asks, "why are you taking my blood pressure? It's always been normal.”. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale While blood pressure can increase during the second trimester due to changes in the maternal cardiovascular system, it doesn't typically increase *early* in the second trimester. Physiologic changes usually lead to a slight decrease in blood pressure during the first and early second trimester before gradually returning to pre-pregnancy levels or potentially increasing later. Choice B rationale While multiparous women can develop gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, having had "several pregnancies" in the past does not inherently increase the risk of high blood pressure at 14 weeks gestation in the current pregnancy, especially if previous pregnancies were normotensive. Risk factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and family history are more significant. Choice C rationale Advanced maternal age, generally considered 35 years or older, is a known risk factor for developing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy. Physiological changes associated with aging can affect vascular function and increase susceptibility to hypertensive disorders. Choice D rationale While addressing the client's feelings is important for therapeutic communication, it avoids answering her direct question about why her blood pressure is being taken. The nurse has a responsibility to provide accurate information regarding routine assessments during pregnancy.