If a client is diagnosed with hypertension during pregnancy, which assessment is critical to monitor?

Monitoring the fetal heart rate is critical when a client is diagnosed with hypertension during pregnancy because increased maternal blood pressure can impact fetal well-being. Hypertension can lead to decreased placental blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus, resulting in fetal distress or other complications. An abnormal fetal heart rate pattern can indicate that the fetus is not receiving adequate oxygen or is under stress, thus requiring prompt intervention.

While other factors such as blood glucose levels, maternal weight gain, and uterine contractility are important in the overall management of pregnancy, the fetal heart rate provides immediate and critical information regarding the baby's status in the presence of maternal hypertension. By closely monitoring the fetal heart rate, healthcare providers can assess the health of the fetus and take necessary actions to manage the effects of hypertension effectively.