What should the nurse do first for a pregnant woman found to have increased amniotic fluid and elevated blood pressure?

The appropriate action for the nurse in this situation is to notify the primary healthcare provider promptly. This step is crucial because both increased amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) and elevated blood pressure can indicate potential complications for both the mother and the fetus, such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.

By notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse ensures that an assessment can be made to determine the best course of action based on the severity of the mother's condition and the direct implications for fetal well-being. This escalation of care is necessary to initiate any required monitoring or treatment plans tailored to the individual patient's situation.

While other actions may also be important to address the woman's condition, notifying the primary healthcare provider is the priority to facilitate further assessment and intervention. Administering medications without provider orders might not be appropriate initially, and monitoring and bed rest are also contingent on a healthcare provider's guidance based on the full clinical picture.