A 34-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation is evaluated for a severe headache. Her only medication is a prenatal vitamin. Neurologic and cardiopulmonary examination is normal. She h... A 34-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation is evaluated for a severe headache. Her only medication is a prenatal vitamin. Neurologic and cardiopulmonary examination is normal. She has a gravid uterus and 2+ edema of the lower extremities. No petechiae or ecchymoses are seen (see lab results and report). Peripheral smear: Occasional fragmented erythrocytes without platelet clumping. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a 34-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation presenting with a severe headache and other clinical findings. The question asks to identify the most appropriate management option from the given choices.
Answer
Emergent delivery is the most appropriate management.
The most appropriate management is emergent delivery.
Answer for screen readers
The most appropriate management is emergent delivery.
More Information
The patient's presentation suggests a potential hypertensive emergency in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia with severe features or HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count), although the platelet count isn't explicitly mentioned. The presence of a severe headache, 2+ edema, fragmented erythrocytes, and being at 38 weeks gestation raises concern. Emergent delivery is often the most appropriate step to prevent further complications for both the mother and the baby.
Tips
Be careful to rule out HELLP syndrome.
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
