The dietary management of preeclampsia includes:

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

Preeclampsia involves proteinuria (protein loss in urine), making adequate protein intake a key supportive measure.
A diet with sufficient protein helps compensate for urinary losses and supports both maternal health and fetal development.
While a specific 'high-protein' diet is a traditional concept, ensuring adequate protein is the most valid dietary goal among the choices.
Other options like fluid loading, salt restriction, and severe calorie restriction are contraindicated or ineffective.

Option B: A caloric intake of less than 1,200 cal/day is insufficient to meet the metabolic demands of pregnancy and can lead to maternal malnutrition and poor fetal growth.
Option C: Forcing 'plenty of fluids' is contraindicated. Preeclampsia involves endothelial damage and 'leaky' capillaries. Vigorous fluid administration increases the risk of life-threatening pulmonary and cerebral edema.
Option D: A salt-free or low-salt diet is not effective in preventing or treating preeclampsia. It can also be harmful by worsening the intravascular volume depletion that is characteristic of the condition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Dietary management in preeclampsia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The nurse's primary role is patient education on a balanced diet, emphasizing adequate protein and normal salt intake, while clarifying that fluid and salt restriction are not beneficial.
Monitoring fluid balance is critical. Nurses must track intake and output, assess for edema, and listen for lung sounds to detect early signs of pulmonary edema, a potential complication of both the disease and incorrect fluid management.
What if? If the patient develops oliguria (low urine output), the response is not to force fluids. Instead, the nurse should notify the provider, as this is a sign of worsening renal function and severe preeclampsia, which may require medical intervention or prompt delivery.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept: dietary management for preeclampsia.
Recall the pathophysiology of preeclampsia: hypertension, proteinuria, and endothelial dysfunction leading to 'leaky' capillaries.
Evaluate each option based on this pathophysiology.
Eliminate 'A salt free diet' as outdated and potentially harmful advice (it can worsen volume depletion).
Eliminate 'Total calorie less than 1,200 cal/day' as it is unsafe for any pregnancy.
Eliminate 'Plenty of fluids' because the risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema is a major concern in preeclampsia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 37-56

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