Epidural anesthesia is initiated for a primigravida at 40 weeks gestation who is in active labor. Which assessment has the greatest priority for the practical nurse to monitor during the administration of epidural anesthesia?

A. Infusion pump and IV site: Necessary but not priority for safety during epidural initiation. B. Level of pain sensation: Important for effectiveness but not as urgent as monitoring for hypotension. C. Maternal blood pressure (BP): Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation and maternal hypotension, which can compromise fetal oxygenation. D. Variability of fetal heart rate: Important but affected indirectly by maternal BP; BP is assessed first.