EDAPT - HYPERTENSION AND PREGNANCY
Women who have chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy will experience a worsening of the condition and
an increased
... [Show More] likelihood of developing preeclampsia in pregnancy. Gestational hypertension (GH) is brought on
by pregnancy and develops after 20 weeks gestation without the presence of protein in the urine.
Deep tendon reflexes become increasingly hyperactive as preeclampsia progresses and are an indicator of
impending risk for seizures.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate to treat severe preeclampsia.
Which medication should the nurse administer if signs of toxicity are present?
Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride are administered to reduce the effects of magnesium sulfate.
Which statement is true regarding gestational hypertension (GH)?
Gestational hypertension (GH) is brought on by pregnancy (not pre-existing) and develops after 20
weeks gestation without the presence of protein in the urine. This was formerly known as pregnancy-induced
hypertension (PIH).
Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation in a client who was
previously normotensive. The mother will present with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg or a diastolic
blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg. Some clients have chronic hypertension and the hormones and physical demands
brought on by pregnancy will likely worsen the condition, possibly leading to preeclampsia, or even eclampsia.
Gestational hypertension was previously called pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Different from chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension has these characteristics.
It is a hypertensive condition unique to pregnancy, whether the woman has a history of hypertension
or not.
It is brought on by pregnancy.
It develops after 20 weeks gestation without the presence of protein in the urine.
It will resolve within 6-12 weeks postpartum.
Gestational Hypertension Risk Factors
Primigravida
African American race
Age (< 18 and > 35 increased occurrence)
Personal and/or family history of hypertension
Obesity
Diabetes
Gestational trophoblastic disease
If gestational hypertension progresses and worsens, preeclampsia and eclampsia can develop.
A woman who is not pregnant has chronic hypertension.
She is now 10 weeks pregnant and has a blood pressure of 150/80. She does not have gestational
hypertension but is at risk for developing it later in pregnancy [Show Less]