Pathophysiology Of Preeclampsia

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1. What are the major differences between gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia?
a. Gestational hypertension is a condition of elevated blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and does not exhibit proteinuria.
b. Preeclampsia is a condition that exhibits hypertension during the last half of pregnancy of a patient who had normal blood pressure. In addition to hypertension, renal involvement may cause proteinuria.
c. Eclampsia is an increased condition of severe preeclampsia that exhibits complication of seizures.
2. “What is the pathophysiology that leads to these conditions?”
a. The theory of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is the sensitivity of some patients to angiotensin II. This adverse effect increases the peripheral …show more content…
Anticonvulsant Drug Nursing Management: The nurse will assess and monitor frequently the patient’s magnesium level, respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, and O2 to detect depression of the CNS, in which, may cause respiratory depression or cardiac complications. Also, the monitoring of intake and output may provide evidence of urine retention that may cause magnesium toxicity.
6. “What assessments need to be conducted frequently for the patient with preeclampsia?”
a. The patient will be weighed on admission and daily at the same time. Next vital signs and auscultation of the lungs and chest will be conducted at least every 4 hours. This assessment is conducted by observing lung sounds for moist breath pulmonary edema. Also, assess for edema least every 4 hours. Input and output will be monitored closely and urine samples will be provided every 4 hours. This is conducted to check for protein in the urine. Fetal heart monitor will be applied and assessment will be conducted of any abnormal readings
7. “Describe deep tendon reflexes and how they are …show more content…
The nurse will remain with the patient and alert others for assistance. Next, the nurse will place the patient on their side during the beginning of the tonic phase. This position increases blood flow to the placenta and reduces chance of aspiration. In continuing, the nurse will note the time and identify the sequence of the seizure. The progressed phase of preeclampsia (Eclampsia) is identified by a tonic clonic seizure. Following the seizure, the nurse will immediately insert an airway and perform suction of the mouth and nose. This will prevent risk of aspiration. Next, the nurse will administer 8 to 10 L/min of oxygen to increase the oxygenation of the placenta and the mother’s organs. After oxygen is administered, the physician is notified of seizure incident. Then, the nurse will administer medication and prep the patient for any possible prescribed interventions.
10. “What are the signs of magnesium toxicity in the mother and the baby?”
a. Magnesium toxicity related to urine retention may exhibit signs and symptoms of thirst, mental confusion, or a decrease in reflexes. With decreased or absent reflexes provides evidence of CNS depression. The may evoke respiratory depression or cardiac complications that reduce the perfusion of the placenta.
11. “What are the risks to the mother and fetus in states of hypertension or magnesium sulfate toxicity? What is the definitive treatment and
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