What is the primary assessment the nurse should anticipate during the arrival of a client diagnosed with probable placenta previa?

In cases of placenta previa, the primary concern revolves around the potential for hemorrhage due to the placenta covering or being near the cervical opening. Therefore, continuous blood pressure monitoring becomes crucial as it allows the healthcare provider to detect any signs of hypotension or hypovolemia that could indicate significant blood loss.

Monitoring blood pressure continuously helps ensure timely intervention if the patient starts to exhibit signs of shock or deterioration, which might arise from significant bleeding. This consistent assessment allows for the proactive management of the client’s condition, ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being.

Other approaches, such as whole blood replacement or immediate cesarean birth, may be necessary if there’s severe hemorrhage or if the situation escalates; however, these are not the initial assessments. Internal fetal heart monitoring might be considered, but it is not as immediately relevant as ensuring the stability of the mother through blood pressure assessment in this situation.