Which of the below is true with regard to pregnancy-induced hypertension?

ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

Explanation

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is an older term for what is now more commonly called gestational hypertension.
It is defined as new-onset hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher) that appears for the first time after 20 weeks of gestation.
A key diagnostic criterion for gestational hypertension is the absence of significant proteinuria.

Option A: Raised blood pressure before 20 weeks of gestation is classified as chronic hypertension, not gestational hypertension.
Option C: Visual disturbances are a sign of severe preeclampsia, a more serious condition. They are not always present in gestational hypertension.
Option D: The presence of significant proteinuria along with hypertension after 20 weeks indicates preeclampsia, not uncomplicated gestational hypertension.

Visual 1: Table: Comparison of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy - A table comparing chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia based on onset of hypertension, blood pressure levels, and presence or absence of proteinuria.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiating between types of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must accurately differentiate between hypertensive disorders in pregnancy as management, maternal risks, and fetal risks differ significantly.
Monitoring for the development of proteinuria and other signs of preeclampsia (like headache, visual changes, or epigastric pain) is a critical nursing role for patients diagnosed with gestational hypertension.
What if? If a patient with gestational hypertension develops a severe headache and blurred vision, the nurse must immediately assess for other signs of severe preeclampsia, notify the healthcare provider, and prepare for potential interventions like magnesium sulfate administration, as the condition may be progressing to severe preeclampsia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept being tested: the definition of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Recall the key features of PIH, which is also known as gestational hypertension. The main criteria are new onset of hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman, without significant proteinuria.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Option A is incorrect because the timeline (before 20 weeks) is the definition of chronic hypertension.
Option B is correct because 'gestational hypertension' is the current and synonymous term for PIH.
Option C is incorrect because visual disturbances are a feature of severe preeclampsia, not a universal sign of all PIH cases.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differentiating between types of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Stem keywords: pregnancy-induced hypertension, true
Lead-in keywords: Which of the below is true
Negative lead-in flag: false

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