During a home visit, a pregnant client with mild preeclampsia requires priority nursing intervention.

• A. Monitor fetal movement
• B. Monitor maternal blood glucose
• C. Instruct the client to maintain complete bed rest
• D. Instruct the client to restrict dietary sodium and any food items that contain sodium

Answer: (D)

Managing fluid balance and blood pressure is the priority when a pregnant client with mild preeclampsia is at home. Limiting sodium intake helps reduce fluid retention and edema, which in turn can help prevent additional rises in blood pressure and ease maternal discomfort. This practical, at-home measure directly targets the edema and hypertensive risks that can worsen if not addressed.

While monitoring fetal movement provides useful information about fetal status, it does not influence the maternal condition in the same immediate way. Monitoring glucose is not indicated for preeclampsia unless diabetes is present, and complete bed rest is not routinely required or proven beneficial for mild preeclampsia. Therefore, instructing the client to restrict dietary sodium and foods containing sodium is the best priority intervention for home management.