Self-Assessment Questions

38. Pre-eclampsia

• Pre-eclampsia has historically been defined as the triad of hypertension, proteinuria and edema. Describe some clinical manifestations of this disease.

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  Correct answer:
  Edema can affect the patient with pre-eclamptic in many different areas, including the feet, hands, face and lungs. Edema in the lungs may present as shortness of breath. The central nervous system can be affected by the generalized vasoconstriction characteristic of pre-eclampsia, leading to severe headache, visual changes, stroke or seizure. The renal system is a potential site of insult, which can present as oliguria. General weakness can be a symptom of hemolysis, and vague epigastric pain can result from hepatic dysfunction.