What assessment should be prioritized in a patient with suspected eclampsia?

In cases of suspected eclampsia, prioritizing the patient’s neurological status and airway patency is critical due to the potential for seizures that characterize this severe complication of pregnancy. Eclampsia can lead to serious neurological complications, and assessing the patient's consciousness level, orientation, and any possible signs of seizure activity directly impacts immediate management and treatment decisions.

Additionally, ensuring the airway is patent is vital because the onset of seizures can compromise airway integrity, leading to hypoxia or aspiration. Therefore, focusing on neurological assessment allows for prompt intervention if seizures occur, which is essential for both maternal and fetal safety.

While monitoring fetal heart rate and uterine contractions is important in broader pregnancy management, the urgency surrounding neurological health and airway protection takes precedence in the context of eclampsia, where maternal seizures can pose an immediate threat to both maternal and fetal well-being.