If a postpartum mother experiences severe headache, what should be the priority nursing assessment?

Severe headache in a postpartum mother is a significant symptom that raises the suspicion for several possible complications, one of the most critical being hypertension, specifically postpartum preeclampsia. This condition can manifest as severe headaches and is associated with elevated blood pressure and potential life-threatening consequences if not managed promptly.

By prioritizing an assessment for hypertension, the nurse can quickly determine whether the headache is a symptom of an underlying serious condition that requires immediate intervention. Monitoring blood pressure levels and looking for other signs of preeclampsia, such as visual disturbances or elevated reflexes, can help guide further treatment and management decisions effectively.

This focus on assessing for hypertension is crucial because early detection of elevated blood pressure can lead to timely treatment, thus preventing complications such as seizures or stroke. Other assessments, such as checking for signs of infection or inquiring about sleep patterns, while important, do not address the immediate risks associated with severe headaches related to potential hypertension in the postpartum period.