Preeclampsia

Never ignore a pregnant woman’s blood pressure.

Introduction

  • Pre-Eclampsia
    • Pathophysiology unknown
    • Pregnancy induced multi-organ dysfunction
    • Definition
      • Pregnancy
        • PLUS
      • BP 135/85
        • PLUS
      • Proteinuria
  • Eclampsia
    • Preeclampsia
    • PLUS
    • Seizures
  • HELLP Syndrome
    • Preeclampsia
    • PLUS
    • Hemolysis
    • PLUS
    • Elevated liver enzymes
    • PLUS
    • Low platelets

Step 1: Evaluate For Four Big Symptoms

  • Swelling/edema
  • Headache
  • Visual changes
  • Abdominal pain

Step 2: Testing

  • Urinalysis
    • Proteinuria
  • CBC
    • Hemolysis
    • Thrombocytopenia
  • Electrolytes
  • Liver function tests

Step 3: Start Magnesium

  • Hypomagnesemia = Hyporeflexia

Step 4: Control the Blood Pressure

  • Hydralazine
  • Labetalol

Step 5: Admit

  • OB emergency
  • All patients need fetal monitoring

Additional Reading

2 Comments

  1. Andrew Williams

    Hi Dr. Olson,

    I just wanted to thank you for what you do! Your podcast has been very helpful to me. I am a paramedic student in Maine, and your podcasts are actually making up a significant portion of our assignments, especially now since we aren’t permitted to have traditional lectures because of COVID-19.

    Thank you again for making a podcast that is extremely helpful for us paramedic students, and that is also fun to listen to!

    Sincerely,
    Andrew Williams

    • Zack

      I’m glad you are enjoying!

      Zack

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