Preeclampsia: Warning Signs

By VeriScorePrep Team · 5 min

Preeclampsia is new hypertension with proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction after 20 weeks' gestation. Left untreated it can progress to eclampsia (seizures) and HELLP syndrome.

Diagnostic features

• Blood pressure ≥140/90 on two occasions at least 4 hours apart.
• Proteinuria or, in its absence, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, renal insufficiency, pulmonary edema, or new-onset headache unresponsive to medication with visual symptoms.

Severe features (report immediately)

• BP ≥160/110.
• New persistent headache.
• Visual disturbances (spots, scotomata, blurred vision).
• Epigastric or right upper quadrant pain (liver capsule).
• Thrombocytopenia or impaired liver/kidney function.

Nursing actions

Notify the provider immediately for severe features. Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures (not to lower BP) — monitor for toxicity: depressed or absent reflexes, respiratory depression, decreased urine output. Keep calcium gluconate available as the antidote.

Definitive treatment

Delivery is the definitive treatment; timing balances maternal and fetal risks.