A pregnant patient presents with elevated blood pressure and proteinuria. Which nursing intervention is the priority in managing this condition?

Gestational hypertensive disorders with proteinuria indicate preeclampsia, characterized by endothelial dysfunction, vasospasm, increased systemic vascular resistance, and organ hypoperfusion, potentially progressing to eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental insufficiency, and fetal compromise if not rapidly controlled. Rationale: A. Nutritional counseling for a sodium-restricted diet may support long-term blood pressure control but is not an immediate stabilizing intervention. Dietary modification does not rapidly reverse severe vasospasm or prevent acute maternal-fetal complications. Therefore it is supportive rather than priority management. B. Weekly weight monitoring helps assess fluid retention and disease progression trends but does not address acute hypertension or proteinuria pathophysiology. It is a surveillance measure rather than an urgent therapeutic intervention. Immediate risks require pharmacologic control. C. Administration of antihypertensive medications reduces severe vasoconstriction and lowers maternal blood pressure, improving uteroplacental perfusion. It directly decreases risk of stroke, placental abruption, and seizure development. This is the priority intervention to stabilize maternal hemodynamics and prevent progression. D. Increasing physical activity is contraindicated in preeclampsia due to risk of worsening hypertension and triggering eclamptic seizures. Activity increases cardiovascular stress and may compromise placental blood flow. Rest and medical stabilization are required instead.