Pre-Eclampsia/Eclampsia Flashcards
What are some signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia?
- headache
- cerebral irritability/agitation
- visual disturbances
- nausea and/or vomiting
- heartburn/epigastric or abdominal pain
- hyperreflexia
- an elevation of >20mmHg above normal BP in the presence of other symptoms
What are the most common cause of new onset seizures in the latter half of pregnancy?
Eclampsia
What are the most common cause of seizures in pregnancy?
Pre-existing epilepsy
Can eclamptic seizures occur after birth?
Yes, usually within 48hrs of birth.
What is the normal length of an eclamptic seizure?
90s.
What is the most definitive treatment of eclampsia/pre-eclampsia?
Birth of the baby.
If IHT for a pre-eclamptic patient, what drug might ALS be required to administer?
Nifedipine, 10mg orally. Typically given in-hospital, and repeated once at 30mins if inadequate response.
What are the 4 assess points for Pre-Eclampsia?
- Hypertension
- Pre-eclampsia signs and symptoms
- Seizure activity
- Gestation >20 weeks
If ?pre-eclampsia but pt has a normal BP, what is the Mx?
Consider other causes
Mx symptomatically
What blood pressures fall within the “Significant Hypertension” range of pre-eclampsia?
SBP 140 - 170
DBP 90 - 110
What blood pressures fall within the “Severe Hypertension” range of pre-eclampsia?
SBP >170
DBP >110
When is PIPER required to be called in ?pre-eclampsia to manage hypertension?
If SBP >170 and DBP >110, plus signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia.
What is the management for Significant Hypertension in ?pre-eclampsia?
Basic care
Left lateral tilt
What is the management for eclamptic seizures?
- Mx as per seizures
- Left lateral tilt
- High flow O2
- Assess for aspiration
- Mx precipitous birth or APH as indicated
