What is the next step in the care of a patient with severe preeclampsia at 35 weeks of pregnancy?

In cases of severe preeclampsia, the immediate priority is the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus. Severe preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and significant organ dysfunction, which poses risks that can escalate rapidly. At 35 weeks of gestation, the benefits of delivery often outweigh the risks associated with continued pregnancy.

Admitting the patient to the hospital allows for comprehensive monitoring and management, including the potential need for medications to stabilize the mother and preparations for immediate delivery if necessary. This approach reduces the chance of complications such as seizures (eclampsia), placental abruption, or other severe maternal and fetal outcomes.

Furthermore, delivery can often be facilitated through induction or cesarean section depending on the clinical scenario, and at 35 weeks, the fetus is generally considered viable with a reasonable chance of good outcomes post-delivery. Therefore, preparing for delivery is the most appropriate next step in managing severe preeclampsia at this stage of pregnancy.