A pregnant woman with a history of hypertension has a blood pressure of 145/90 mm Hg at a routine visit. What should this prompt?

In the context of a pregnant woman with a known history of hypertension, a blood pressure reading of 145/90 mm Hg indicates that she is experiencing elevated blood pressure levels, which may require careful monitoring and consideration of her management plan.

This situation prompts a change in her management plan because sustained elevations in blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to complications such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. It is important for healthcare providers to evaluate the severity of her hypertension, consider potential risks to both the mother and the fetus, and determine whether any adjustments in her treatment or monitoring protocols are necessary.

A thorough review of her current treatment regimen, lifestyle modifications, and possible need for additional interventions should be part of this updated management plan. The focus will likely be on ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.

Other options, such as immediate emergency intervention or starting medication treatment, may be considered under more severe circumstances or if there were additional concerning symptoms present. Routine follow-up would not be sufficient given the elevated blood pressure reading coupled with her history, as it is crucial to address the potential risks in a timely manner.