A nurse is caring for a female client, age 30, at 37 weeks of gestation, admitted to the labor and delivery unit from the provider’s office for observation and laboratory testing.

Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale: Moderate fetal heart rate variability indicates a healthy autonomic nervous system response in the fetus, reflecting adequate oxygenation and neurologic function. Variability within moderate range (6-25 beats/min) suggests the fetus is not currently experiencing hypoxia or acidosis. This finding is reassuring and does not require urgent reporting as it reflects normal fetal well-being according to obstetrical monitoring standards.

Choice B rationale: Persistent headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant client with elevated blood pressure is a significant symptom suggestive of worsening preeclampsia or impending eclampsia. Headache can result from cerebral vasospasm or edema and requires prompt evaluation as it indicates central nervous system involvement. Elevated blood pressure over 140/90 mm Hg plus headache raises concern for severe preeclampsia.

Choice C rationale: The heart rate of 98 beats/min is within normal adult range (60-100 bpm) and is not clinically concerning in this context. Tachycardia or bradycardia might warrant attention, but a heart rate under 100 in a stable client with no signs of distress is typical and not a reportable abnormality in isolation.

Choice D rationale: Edema, especially 2+ pitting in the lower extremities and hands, is common in pregnancy but circumorbital and hand edema preventing ring removal is concerning. It may indicate fluid retention due to endothelial dysfunction and capillary leakage seen in preeclampsia. Such edema suggests worsening vascular permeability and should be reported for timely management.

Choice E rationale: Blood pressure reading of 160/98 mm Hg is above the normal pregnancy threshold (less than 140/90 mm Hg) and qualifies as severe hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia and increases risk for maternal and fetal complications including stroke, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction, requiring immediate provider notification.

Choice F rationale: The fetal heart rate of 130 beats/min falls within the normal baseline range (110-160 bpm) with moderate variability, indicating no current fetal distress. This normal finding does not require urgent reporting as it reflects appropriate fetal status.

Choice G rationale: Irregular contractions without pattern or intensity are common and often represent Braxton Hicks contractions, especially near term. These do not typically indicate active labor or distress and do not require urgent reporting unless they become regular, painful, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Choice H rationale: Negative ankle clonus reflects normal neurological function and absence of central nervous system hyperreflexia. Presence of clonus could suggest severe preeclampsia with neurological involvement; its absence is reassuring and not a reportable concern.

Choice I rationale: Patellar deep tendon reflexes at 2+ are normal on a scale of 0 to 4+. Hyperreflexia (3+ or 4+) could indicate neurologic irritability from preeclampsia. Normal reflexes suggest no current severe neurological involvement, so this does not warrant immediate reporting.