What is the expected next step after confirming a severe BP reading of 163/102 mm Hg in a patient with high blood pressure?

When a severe blood pressure reading of 163/102 mm Hg is confirmed, the immediate and appropriate next step is to administer intravenous antihypertensive medication, such as IV labetalol. This approach is crucial because severe hypertension requires prompt intervention to prevent complications, such as stroke, organ damage, or other hypertensive emergencies, especially in pregnant patients.

Labetalol is particularly favorable in this context because it effectively lowers blood pressure and has a good safety profile for use during pregnancy. The intravenous administration allows for rapid control of blood pressure, which is essential in severe cases. An immediate response helps stabilize the patient and mitigate risks to both the mother and fetus.

The other options may not adequately address the urgency of the situation. Monitoring the patient for additional symptoms does not actively manage the severe hypertension and could lead to further complications. Providing oral antihypertensive medication would not act quickly enough to address such an elevated reading. A CT scan of the head is typically reserved for assessing neurological complications rather than the immediate management of elevated blood pressure.