Acute condition characterized by convulsion and edema is?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening complication of pregnancy.
It is defined as the new onset of generalized, tonic-clonic seizures (convulsions) in a woman with pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and often significant edema (swelling).
Therefore, eclampsia is the condition that presents with both convulsions and edema.

Option A: Pre-eclampsia is characterized by hypertension and edema, but the defining feature of convulsions is absent.
Option C: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder involving seizures. It is not an acute condition of pregnancy and is not characterized by edema.
Option D: This option is incorrect because Eclampsia is a valid medical condition that perfectly matches the description in the question.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the signs of pre-eclampsia (hypertension, edema, headache, visual disturbances) is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent its progression to eclampsia.
Immediate and effective management of an eclamptic seizure is vital to prevent maternal and fetal complications, including hypoxia, aspiration, and injury.
Nurses must be proficient in administering magnesium sulfate and vigilantly monitoring for signs of toxicity (respiratory depression, loss of reflexes, decreased urine output), with the antidote (calcium gluconate) readily available.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question into its key components: an 'acute condition' featuring both 'convulsion' and 'edema'.
Evaluate Option A (Pre-eclampsia). Recall that pre-eclampsia involves hypertension and edema but, by definition, lacks convulsions. This does not fully match the question.
Evaluate Option B (Eclampsia). Recall that eclampsia is defined as pre-eclampsia (which includes edema) plus the onset of convulsions. This perfectly matches both key components of the question.
Evaluate Option C (Epilepsy). Recognize this as a chronic seizure disorder, not an acute pregnancy-specific condition characterized by edema. This is an incorrect fit.
Conclude that Eclampsia is the only condition that encompasses all the elements described in the question stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q84aUQMhD0WEPu29XNlPpN

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 30-50

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1296-1298

Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.