Pregnancy Complications - 4

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with multi system involvement

Clinical Findings

• Blurred or altered vision
• Epigastric pain
• Headache
• Edema
• Proteinuria
• Hyperreflexia
• Hypertension

Nursing Care

1. Closely monitor vital signs
2. Assess deep tendon reflexes
3. Dipstick urine for protein
4. Record presence of edema
5. Palpate tone of fundus
6. Auscultate fetal heart rate and apply EFM
7. Monitor patient comfort
8. Collect 24-hour urine
9. Place patient in side-lying position
10. Keep environment quiet and dim
11. Institute seizure precautions:
• Side rails up and padded
• Bed in low position
• Suction equipment available at bedside
• Oxygen available at bedsideInitiate IV fluids as ordered
12. Monitor intake and output
13. Initiate medications as ordered

Eclampsia

Clinical Findings

• Worsening of symptoms of preeclampsia
• Seizure activity

HELLP Syndrome

Clinical Findings

• Worsening symptoms of preeclampsia
• Malaise
• Epigastric pain
• Nausea/vomiting
• Laboratory findings:
• Hemolysis
• Elevated Liver enzymes
• Low Platelets