A third-trimester patient experiencing an intense headache should be referred to whom?

• A. Take rest at home
• B. Refer to the emerg physician
• C. OTC analgesics
• D. Dismiss symptoms as normal

Answer: (B)

Severe headaches in the late stages of pregnancy are red flags that can indicate dangerous conditions such as preeclampsia or other serious maternal-fetal problems, and they require urgent medical evaluation. Refering the patient to an emergency physician ensures she is assessed promptly with blood pressure checks, urine protein testing, and appropriate monitoring, with rapid management if needed.

Resting at home or using OTC pain relievers may mask or delay recognizing a serious issue, and dismissing the symptoms as normal can put both mother and baby at risk. Urgent evaluation in the emergency setting is the appropriate action to determine the cause and initiate safe treatment.