Serious signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia are?

NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Medium

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

Pre-eclampsia is a multi-system disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension and end-organ damage, typically after 20 weeks of gestation.
A sharp rise in blood pressure (e.g., to 160/110 mmHg or higher) is a defining feature of severe pre-eclampsia, posing a risk of stroke and placental abruption.
Increasing proteinuria is a sign of significant kidney involvement and widespread endothelial damage, which is central to the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia.
Severe headache and visual disturbances are ominous neurological signs indicating cerebral vasospasm and irritation, which can precede eclamptic seizures.
Because all the listed options are classic and serious signs of pre-eclampsia, the most complete and correct answer is 'All of these'.

Option A: This option is correct but incomplete. A sharp rise in blood pressure is a critical sign of severe pre-eclampsia, but it is not the only one. The condition involves a constellation of symptoms.
Option B: This option is correct but incomplete. Increased proteinuria is a key diagnostic marker reflecting kidney damage, but pre-eclampsia is a syndrome with multiple features.
Option C: This option is correct but incomplete. Severe headache and visual disturbances are ominous neurological signs, but they are part of a broader clinical picture that includes hypertension and proteinuria.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Signs and symptoms of severe pre-eclampsia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must recognize these signs immediately as they signal a high-risk obstetric emergency requiring prompt assessment and intervention to prevent life-threatening complications for both mother and fetus.
Immediate nursing actions include placing the patient in a quiet, low-stimulus environment, initiating seizure precautions, frequent monitoring of vital signs and fetal heart rate, and preparing for the administration of magnesium sulfate for seizure prophylaxis and antihypertensive drugs.
Patient education is crucial. Pregnant individuals should be taught to report symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes, or severe upper abdominal pain immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the 'serious signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia'.
This question includes an 'All of these' option, which suggests that multiple choices might be correct.
Evaluate each option individually based on your knowledge of pre-eclampsia.
Option A: A sharp rise in blood pressure is a hallmark of severe pre-eclampsia. This is correct.
Option B: Increased proteinuria is a key diagnostic criterion and indicates kidney involvement. This is correct.
Option C: Severe headache and visual disturbances are well-known neurological warning signs of severe pre-eclampsia and impending eclampsia. This is correct.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 2-9

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