When is it most important for the nurse to assess a pregnant client's deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)?

Choice A: Think about reasons the episodes occur. This is not the best instruction, as it may increase the anxiety level of the client. Thinking about reasons may trigger negative thoughts, emotions, or memories that can worsen the anxiety. The nurse should teach the client to focus on coping skills rather than causes.

Choice B: Center attention on positive upbeat music. This is not the best instruction, as it may not be effective for all clients. Listening to positive upbeat music may help distract or soothe some clients, but it may also irritate or annoy others. The nurse should teach the client to choose music that matches their mood and preference.

Choice C: Practice using muscle relaxation techniques. This is the best instruction, as it can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Muscle relaxation techniques involve tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in a systematic way, which can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. The nurse should teach the client how to perform muscle relaxation techniques and practice them regularly.

Choice D: Find outlets for more social interaction. This is not the best instruction, as it may not be feasible or helpful for all clients. Finding outlets for more social interaction may help some clients feel supported or connected, but it may also stress or overwhelm others. The nurse should teach the client to seek social support that is appropriate and comfortable for them.

Choice A: When the client has ankle edema is not the most important time for the nurse to assess DTRs, as this is a common finding in pregnancy and does not indicate a neurological or vascular problem. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B: Within the first trimester of pregnancy is not the most important time for the nurse to assess DTRs, as this is a routine assessment that can be done at any time during pregnancy and does not reflect any specific risk or complication. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C: If the client has an elevated blood pressure is the most important time for the nurse to assess DTRs, as this can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition that can cause seizures, stroke, and organ damage. DTRs can help detect hyperreflexia, which is a sign of increased intracranial pressure and impending eclampsia. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D: During admission to labor and delivery is not the most important time for the nurse to assess DTRs, as this is a standard assessment that can be done at any stage of labor and does not signify any urgent or emergent situation. This is another distractor choice.