Cardinal signs of Eclampsia is?

Appeared in: NIMHANS Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Eclampsia is defined as the occurrence of new-onset, generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a woman with preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg) and proteinuria (≥300 mg in 24 hours) appearing after 20 weeks of gestation.
Therefore, the combination of hypertension, proteinuria, and the addition of seizures constitutes the cardinal signs of eclampsia.
The seizure is the hallmark sign that differentiates eclampsia from preeclampsia.

Option B: Fever, diarrhea, and vomiting are classic signs of infection or gastrointestinal distress, not eclampsia. While a patient with eclampsia could have these for other reasons, they are not part of the diagnostic criteria.
Option C: A decreased level of consciousness (LOC) and drowsiness are common in the postictal state (the period immediately following a seizure). They are consequences of the seizure, not part of the primary diagnostic triad.
Option D: Palpitations and tachycardia (a rapid heart rate) are non-specific symptoms. They can be caused by numerous factors such as anxiety, stress, anemia, dehydration, or underlying cardiac conditions, and are not specific indicators of eclampsia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The cardinal signs of eclampsia, a severe complication of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the triad of hypertension, proteinuria, and seizures is critical for nurses to ensure prompt diagnosis and emergency management of eclampsia, which can prevent maternal and fetal mortality.
Immediate intervention during an eclamptic seizure includes ensuring patient safety (e.g., left lateral position, padded bed rails), maintaining a patent airway, administering oxygen, and preparing for the administration of magnesium sulfate to control seizures.
Eclampsia is an obstetric emergency. The nurse's role includes rapid assessment, calling for help, initiating seizure precautions, and preparing for potential emergency delivery once the mother is stabilized.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question: 'Eclampsia'.
Recall the definition of eclampsia. It is a severe complication of preeclampsia.
Remember the definition of preeclampsia: hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy.
Understand that eclampsia is preeclampsia plus the onset of seizures.
Combine these components: Hypertension + Proteinuria + Seizures.
Scan the options to find the one that matches this triad.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The cardinal signs of eclampsia, a severe complication of pregnancy.
Stem keywords: Cardinal signs, Eclampsia
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 30-50

Practise the full NIMHANS Nursing Officer - 2019

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