What assessment must be included for a pregnant person complaining of severe headache along with swollen hands and feet?

In a scenario where a pregnant individual presents with severe headache and swelling in the hands and feet, the assessment that should definitely be included is blood pressure measurement. This is crucial because these symptoms can be indicative of potential complications such as preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and often associated with edema, particularly in the extremities.

Monitoring blood pressure helps determine if the individual is experiencing hypertension, which may require immediate medical intervention. In pregnant patients, managing elevated blood pressure is vital to ensure both maternal and fetal health. This assessment can provide early warnings of conditions that could escalate and potentially harm the mother and baby if left unaddressed.

While other assessments like the pitted edema test or girth measurement can provide useful information about fluid retention, they do not directly measure a critical vital sign that indicates the health risks associated with high blood pressure. Cervical range of motion would not be relevant in this context, as it does not connect to the symptoms being presented and the potential complications of pregnancy.