Which one of the following is seen in preeclampsia?

AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome defined by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation.
Proteinuria, the presence of excess protein in the urine (≥300 mg/24h or a protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.3), is a classic diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia.
This sign reflects systemic endothelial dysfunction and glomerular damage, which are central to the pathophysiology of the disease.
The other options listed are either unrelated or are the opposite of what is observed in preeclampsia.

Option A: Facial hair (hirsutism) is not a symptom of preeclampsia. It is typically caused by an excess of androgens, a hormonal issue not directly related to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Option B: Preeclampsia is fundamentally a hypertensive disorder. It is characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension), specifically a reading of 140/90 mmHg or greater. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is the opposite of this defining feature.
Option C: Patients with preeclampsia typically experience rapid weight gain, not weight loss. This is due to generalized edema (swelling) from fluid retention, a common feature of the condition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of clinical manifestations of preeclampsia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in the early detection of preeclampsia through routine antenatal checks, which include monitoring blood pressure and testing urine for protein.
Early identification and management are vital to prevent the progression of preeclampsia to more severe forms, such as eclampsia (seizures) or HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets), which are life-threatening for both mother and fetus.
What if? If a pregnant patient with elevated blood pressure also complains of a persistent headache, blurred vision, or spots in her vision, the nurse must suspect severe preeclampsia with central nervous system involvement and escalate care immediately for urgent management.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'preeclampsia'.
Recall the classic diagnostic triad and common symptoms associated with preeclampsia. The primary signs are hypertension, proteinuria, and edema.
Systematically evaluate each option against your knowledge of preeclampsia.
Eliminate 'Facial hair' as it is related to hormonal issues like androgen excess, not preeclampsia.
Eliminate 'Hypotension' because preeclampsia is defined by high blood pressure (hypertension).
Eliminate 'Weight loss' because fluid retention and edema in preeclampsia lead to weight gain.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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