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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
- Pregnancy
- 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
- Round 2 – Seizure (EM Clerkship)
- Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy (ACOG)
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
I’m glad you are enjoying!
Zack