Questions and Answers
Preeclampsia is a disorder encountered most often when?
in the last 20 weeks of gestation, during labor, or in the first 12-48 hours after delivery
Preeclampsia is characterized by one or more of what signs?
hypertension, edema, albuminuria, and in severe cases, convulsion and coma
When chronic hypertensive vascular disease is noted before the last 20 weeks of pregnancy and persists indefinitely afterwards, the patient does not have what?
preeclampsia
Although the cause of preeclampsia is not known, it is felt that the process involves an increased responsiveness to what?
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An increase in both systolic and diastolic pressures in a patient with preeclampsia is due to what?
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As this process of preeclampsia occurs in other parts of the body, the symptoms of what will appear?
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When ischemia and infarction of the renal cortical tissue occurs, the symptoms of what will present?
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The presence of what accounts for sudden increased weight gain in patients with preeclampsia?
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What are the three classifications that preeclampsia can be divided into?
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The severity of the 3 primary symptoms of preeclampsia are?
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A patient having a BP ranging from 140/90 or more would be classified as having what?
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Whereas, a patient having a blood pressure greater than 160/100 would be classified as having what?
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We should expect to find little or no peripheral edema in what type of preeclampsia?
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Facial, hand, and possibly pulmonary edema may be present in what type of preeclampsia?
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An albuminuria of 1+ or 2+ may signify what?
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Whereas albuminuria of 3+ or 4+ and oliguria may indicate what type of preeclampsia?
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The 3 symptoms one might expect to find in a patient diagnosed as having mild preeclampsia are what?
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What are the 3 symptoms one might expect to find in a patient diagnosed as having severe preeclampsia?
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A person with severe preeclampsia may also experience what?
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Vasospasm of the retinal vessels together with ischemia and edema are responsible for what?
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The process of vasoconstriction, hypertension, and fluid retention occurring in the area of the cerebrum probably accounts for what?
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While congestion and necrosis in the sinusoids of the liver may be indicated by the presence of what?
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Clonus is what and can be checked how?
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What is often the sign of impending convulsion (then eclampsia) caused by increased vascular engorgement?
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Study Notes
Preeclampsia Overview
- Preeclampsia typically occurs in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy, during labor, or within the first 12-48 hours postpartum.
- Characterized by hypertension, edema, albuminuria (protein in urine), and potentially convulsions or coma in severe cases.
Diagnosis Criteria
- Patients with chronic hypertension prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy do not have preeclampsia if it persists indefinitely.
- Increased sensitivity to the vasopressor angiotensin II may contribute to edema, ischemia, and necrosis.
- Blood pressure in preeclampsia can rise due to vasospasm, with nutritional factors potentially influencing risk.
Symptoms and Classification
- Symptoms include albuminuria and edema as ischemia and infarction occur in the body.
- Sudden weight gain (5-10 pounds weekly) in preeclampsia is attributed to edema.
Classifications of Preeclampsia
- Preeclampsia is classified into mild pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia.
- Primary symptoms for classification include:
- Edema
- Albuminuria
- Hypertension
Blood Pressure Measurements
- Mild pre-eclampsia is indicated by blood pressure ranging from 140/90 or more, or an increase of at least 30 mm Hg systolic and 15 mm Hg diastolic above baseline.
- Severe pre-eclampsia is defined by blood pressure greater than 160/100.
Edema Characteristics
- Mild preeclampsia typically exhibits little to no peripheral edema.
- Severe preeclampsia may present facial, hand, and possibly pulmonary edema.
Albuminuria Levels
- Mild preeclampsia may show albuminuria of 1+ or 2+.
- Severe preeclampsia is indicated by albuminuria of 3+ or 4+ with oliguria (reduced urine output).
Symptoms Distinction
- Expected symptoms for mild preeclampsia:
- Blood pressure of 140/90 or more
- 1+ or 2+ albuminuria
- Little to no peripheral edema
- Expected symptoms for severe preeclampsia:
- Blood pressure of 160/100
- 3+ or 4+ albuminuria and oliguria
- Facial and hand edema
Additional Symptoms of Severe Preeclampsia
- Severe frontal headache, often preceded by upper right quadrant pain before seizures.
- Epigastric pain indicating liver congestion and necrosis.
- Visual disturbances, including blurred vision and scotomata.
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
Specific Complications
- Vasospasm of retinal vessels causes visual disturbances.
- Frontal headaches likely result from vasoconstriction and fluid retention in the cerebrum.
- The presence of epigastric pain may signify liver issues.
Clonus Assessment
- Clonus refers to involuntary muscular contractions and can be assessed by extending the leg and applying pressure on the foot, then releasing it to observe “toes wobbling.”
Impending Convulsion Indicators
- Clonus is considered a sign of impending convulsion, leading to eclampsia, often due to increased vascular engorgement.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the definitions and classifications of preeclampsia and the use of magnesium sulfate. This flashcard set covers key concepts such as symptoms and timing during pregnancy. Ideal for nursing or medical students preparing for exams.