For a pregnant client with severe preeclampsia, which action is most important to include in the plan of care?

For a pregnant client with severe preeclampsia, which action is most important to include in the plan of care?

• A. Keep the room semi-dark.
• B. Initiate seizure precautions.
• C. Pad the side rails of the bed.
• D. Avoid environmental stimulation.

Answer: (B)

Severe preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, where a seizure occurs. The highest priority in the plan of care is to prevent injury and be ready to intervene quickly if a seizure begins. Initiating seizure precautions establishes that readiness: having suction and oxygen readily available, ensuring a patent airway, and keeping the patient in a safe environment where staff can monitor closely. It also supports readiness for magnesium sulfate therapy, which is commonly used to prevent seizures in this condition. While reducing environmental stimulation or isolating the patient in a dimmer room might help minimize triggers, they don’t address the immediate need to safeguard the patient and respond to a seizure.

Severe preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, where a seizure occurs. The highest priority in the plan of care is to prevent injury and be ready to intervene quickly if a seizure begins. Initiating seizure precautions establishes that readiness: having suction and oxygen readily available, ensuring a patent airway, and keeping the patient in a safe environment where staff can monitor closely. It also supports readiness for magnesium sulfate therapy, which is commonly used to prevent seizures in this condition. While reducing environmental stimulation or isolating the patient in a dimmer room might help minimize triggers, they don’t address the immediate need to safeguard the patient and respond to a seizure.