When prioritizing care in a prenatal clinic, which client should a nurse recommend the provider see first?

The client reporting a persistent headache at 37 weeks of gestation is the most critical situation to address first. During the late stages of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, headaches can be a concerning symptom as they may indicate serious conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. These conditions can pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus and require immediate assessment and intervention.

In contrast, the other clients present with less acute issues. The client at 20 weeks gestation has a routine appointment, which is part of normal prenatal care. The client experiencing morning sickness at 12 weeks is dealing with a common and typically manageable symptom of early pregnancy, while the client inquiring about prenatal vitamins at 10 weeks is seeking general health advice. While all these situations are important, the urgency of assessing the potential for a serious complication in the third trimester makes the client with the persistent headache the priority.