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Pregnancy Complications

High-Risk

Hypertensive Disorders

Preeclampsia

  • Diagnosis: BP ≥140/90 after 20 weeks + proteinuria
  • Classic triad: hypertension, edema, proteinuria
  • Risk factors: nulliparity, multifetal gestation, diabetes, chronic hypertension, obesity
  • Mild: BP 140/90-159/109, 1+ protein, mild edema
  • Severe: BP ≥160/110, 3-4+ protein, severe edema, hyperreflexia, visual disturbances, epigastric pain
  • Late sign: epigastric pain (liver edema) - requires immediate intervention
  • Treatment: magnesium sulfate (prevents seizures), antihypertensives, delivery
  • Magnesium toxicity: monitor respirations (<12/min), DTRs, urine output; antidote: calcium gluconate

HELLP Syndrome

  • Hemolysis
  • Elevated Liver enzymes
  • Low Platelets
  • Complication of severe preeclampsia

Bleeding Disorders

Placenta Previa

  • Placenta implanted over cervical os
  • Painless, bright red bleeding (usually third trimester)
  • NO vaginal exams (can cause hemorrhage)
  • Treatment: bed rest, tocolytics, steroids for fetal lung maturity, cesarean delivery

Abruptio Placentae

  • Premature separation of normally implanted placenta
  • Painful, dark red bleeding, board-like abdomen
  • Associated with hypertension, trauma, cocaine use, smoking
  • Emergency: immediate delivery (usually cesarean)

Ectopic Pregnancy

  • Implantation outside uterine cavity (usually fallopian tube)
  • Sharp lower abdominal pain, spotting, amenorrhea
  • Rupture: severe pain, hypovolemic shock
  • Treatment: surgery (salpingectomy) or methotrexate

Gestational Diabetes

  • Glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy
  • Screening: 1-hour glucose challenge test (24-28 weeks)
  • Diagnosis: 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test
  • Management: diet, exercise, blood glucose monitoring, insulin if needed
  • Risks to fetus: macrosomia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, polycythemia

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

  • Severe nausea/vomiting causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss
  • Treatment: IV fluids, antiemetics, nutritional support, hospitalization

📝 NCLEX Priority Points

  • Preeclampsia: BP ≥140/90 + proteinuria after 20 weeks
  • Magnesium sulfate toxicity: monitor respirations <12, DTRs, urine output; antidote: calcium gluconate
  • Placenta previa: painless bleeding, NO vaginal exams
  • Abruptio placentae: painful bleeding, board-like abdomen, emergency delivery

💊 Key Medications & Interventions

  • Magnesium sulfate: Seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia; toxicity: <12 respirations, absent DTRs, <30 mL/hr urine
  • Antihypertensives: Labetalol, hydralazine, nifedipine for severe hypertension
  • Corticosteroids (betamethasone): For fetal lung maturity if preterm delivery anticipated

Source: AWHONN, ACOG Guidelines. For educational purposes only. Always follow facility protocols and current clinical guidelines.