All of the following are the signs of pregnancy induced hypertension except?

IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

Generalized neuralgia, which is widespread nerve pain, is not a recognized clinical sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or preeclampsia.
While preeclampsia does have neurological manifestations, they are specific and include severe headaches, visual disturbances, and hyperreflexia, which are caused by cerebral vasospasm and edema.
Neuralgia involves nerve inflammation or damage, which is a different pathophysiological process than what occurs in preeclampsia's central nervous system involvement.

Option A: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a cardinal and defining sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension. A blood pressure of ≥140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of gestation is a primary diagnostic criterion.
Option B: Proteinuria, the presence of excess protein in the urine, is a key diagnostic feature of preeclampsia, indicating kidney damage or dysfunction as a result of the condition.
Option D: Edema, particularly pathological swelling of the face, hands, and lower extremities, is a classic sign of preeclampsia, resulting from fluid retention and endothelial dysfunction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (Preeclampsia) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be vigilant in assessing pregnant women for the triad of preeclampsia signs (hypertension, proteinuria, edema) at every antenatal visit.
Educating patients to report danger signs like severe headaches, visual disturbances, or sudden swelling is a critical nursing intervention for early detection and management.
What if? - If a patient reports a severe, persistent headache that is unresponsive to usual analgesics, the nurse should suspect severe preeclampsia and initiate immediate blood pressure monitoring and notify the provider, as this is a sign of worsening disease, not simple neuralgia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Note the keyword 'except'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a sign of PIH.
Recall or look up the classic triad of signs for preeclampsia/PIH: hypertension, proteinuria, and edema.
Evaluate each option against this knowledge. 'High blood pressure', 'Proteinuria', and 'Edema' are all classic signs.
Consider the remaining option, 'Generalized neuralgia'. While PIH has neurological symptoms, 'generalized neuralgia' (widespread nerve pain) is not a standard or typical sign. The neurological signs are more specific (e.g., headache, visual changes).
Therefore, 'Generalized neuralgia' is the correct answer as it is the exception among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (Preeclampsia)
Stem keywords: pregnancy induced hypertension, signs
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: This is a negative-lead question where you must identify the option that is NOT a sign of the condition.

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 63-65

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1803-1805