preeclampsia Flashcards
what is pre eclampsia?
condition of hypertension and increasing proteinuria
The continuum with all hypertensive disorders starts with what?
the timing of increased BP values
If the woman develops HTN after 20 weeks, what would it turn into?
GHTN
- if it develops proteinuria, this would be GHTN with pre eclampsia
HTN disorders in preg are common but are associated with what?
maternal and fetal deaths
what risks are associated with increased BP in preg for the mother?
MI, stroke, HF and renal failure
what risks are associated with increased BP in preg for the fetus?
poor o2 transfer, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and even death
clinical manifestations of pre eclampsia?
headaches, visual disturbances, epigastric pain, chest pain, dyspnea, changing liver enzymes, decreased platelets
- edema is excluded
what is a routine nursing evaluation for a pt with pre eclampsia?
dipstick urinalysis - shows presence of proteins and BP measurement at every antenatal visit
- NOTE changes in protein
Should changes begin to occur that would suggest a progression towards gestational hypertension with new onset proteinuria, what examination should you do?
examination of deep tendon reflexes and testing for the presence of clonus which is a sign of central nervous system irritability
what risk factors put a woman at higher risk of developing pre eclampsia?
older age, first pregnancy, obesity or excessive weight gain in pregnancy, pre existing pre eclampsia, multiple babies and elevated BP
how does tx start in the preconception period?
counselling women - healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise an controlling HTN
what does tx depend on?
gestational age an disease severity bc the only cure is to deliver the fetus
when is the delivery safe (after how many weeks) for pre eclampsia?
after 37 weeks
what is the main goal of tx?
control BP - done with use of beta blockers or methyldopa
