Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What is a sign of pre-eclampsia?
Proteinuria in pregnancy does not indicate organ dysfunction.
False
What is the primary management of pre-eclampsia during conveyance?
Right or left lateral positioning and continuous BP measurements.
The onset of _____ during pregnancy or post-partum is characteristic of eclampsia.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for pre-eclampsia?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the condition with its description:
Signup and view all the answers
Eclampsia can present without a history of pre-eclampsia.
Signup and view all the answers
What severe complication can arise from severe pre-eclampsia?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK?
Signup and view all the answers
Eclamptic seizures can last for a prolonged period of 20 weeks.
Signup and view all the answers
What should antibiotics for sepsis be administered within after the onset of symptoms?
Signup and view all the answers
Reduced immunity in pregnancy means that maternity patients are more susceptible to __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following flags with their corresponding actions:
Signup and view all the answers
It is appropriate to call a midwife in the presence of red flags.
Signup and view all the answers
What card should be used to identify red flags during the management of suspected sepsis?
Signup and view all the answers
In case of suspected pre-eclampsia, what is recommended?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Pre-eclampsia
- Characterized by new hypertension (greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation.
- Proteinuria is a sign of organ dysfunction.
- Pre-eclampsia can be life-threatening, even without seizures.
- Severe pre-eclampsia can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage and stroke.
Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased urine output
- Swelling of hands and face
Risk Factors for Pre-eclampsia
- First pregnancy
- Age 40 years or older
- Pregnancy interval greater than 10 years
- Body mass index of 35 or greater
- Family history of pre-eclampsia
- Pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancy
- Medical co-morbidities (hypertension, renal or cardiac disease, diabetes)
Management of Pre-eclampsia
- Conduct ABCDE assessment and report findings.
- Pre-alert the nearest obstetric unit if there are time-critical features or red flags.
- If there are no red flags, continue with a thorough assessment.
- Position the patient on their right or left side.
- Monitor blood pressure continuously.
Eclampsia
- Characterized by new onset of convulsions during pregnancy or postpartum, typically in women with pre-eclampsia.
- Presents as a tonic-clonic convulsion.
- Treat as Eclampsia if seizure occurs after 20 weeks gestation or post-partum.
- Ensure IV access and administer drugs if a paramedic is on scene.
Maternal Sepsis
- A leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK.
- Can be direct (pregnancy or genital tract related) or indirect (influenza, COVID-19, Group A and B Strep).
- Reduced immunity during pregnancy increases susceptibility to infection.
- Can have a rapid onset.
Management of Suspected Sepsis
- NEWS2 is not validated for use in pregnancy due to maternal physiology.
- Use the Maternity Assessment Card to identify red flags.
- Pre-alert the nearest obstetric unit.
- Antibiotics need to be administered in hospital within an hour of sepsis onset.
Red Flags and Time Critical Management
- One red flag or two amber flags indicate a time-critical situation.
- Convey to a maternity unit if gestation is 20 weeks or more, and the woman is stable.
- Convey to an ED with obstetrics on site if gestation is less than 20 weeks or the woman is unstable (ongoing life-threatening hemorrhage, recent seizure, reduced GCS).
Summary
- Suspected pre-eclampsia requires close and continuous assessment.
- Utilize the Maternal Assessment Card on JRCALC+ to guide assessment and management of pregnancy complications.
- Call for additional resources early but do not delay on scene.
- Do not call a midwife in the presence of red flags.
- Report all cases of pregnancy complications in Datix.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the essentials of pre-eclampsia, including its definition, symptoms, risk factors, and management strategies. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to identify and handle this serious condition during pregnancy. Test your knowledge on critical features and clinical responses related to pre-eclampsia.
