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Pregnancy Complications
High-RiskHypertensive 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.