What should a nurse do upon noting 1+ deep tendon reflexes in a pregnant client?

Documenting the findings of 1+ deep tendon reflexes is essential as it provides a record of the client's neurological status at that point in time. Reflexes are often assessed during prenatal visits to monitor changes that could indicate neurological issues or complications. A +1 rating indicates a normal response, suggesting that the nervous system is functioning adequately. Proper documentation can help track these reflexes over time, serving as a reference for future assessments. This is especially important in pregnant clients, as keeping accurate records allows for monitoring of both maternal and fetal health throughout the pregnancy.

In this case, contacting the physician might not be necessary since a 1+ reflex is generally considered a normal finding. Asking the client to walk or performing range-of-motion exercises may not provide any additional useful information regarding the reflexes themselves and can unnecessarily delay the assessment process. Therefore, focusing on documentation captures the current state accurately for ongoing care.