Question

Active Learning Template: Nursing Skill PREECLAMPSIA.

Answer 1

PREECLAMPSIA DESCRIPTION  

  It is a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and proteinuria. It is a dangerous complication in pregnancy. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a women whose blood pressure had been normal. It can lead to serious, even fatal complications for both mother and baby.

Nursing care for PIH involves providing adequate nutrition, good prenatal care and control of pre-existing hypertension during pregnancy. Early recognition and prompt treatment of preeclampsia can prevent progression to eclampsia.

   NURSING ASSESSMENT

Women with preeclampsia without severe features need vital signs, including pulse oxymetry and lung sounds every 4 hourly. Level of consciousness, edema,assessment for headache ,visual disturbances, epigastric pain should be check every 8 hours.

NURSING DIAGNOSES FOR PIH

• Deficient fluid volume .
• Decreased cardiac output
• Altered tissue perfusion (uteroplacental)
• Risk for maternal injury
• Risk for imbalanced nutrition, : less than body requirements.

MEDICATIONS IN PREECLAMPSIA.

1. Corticosteroids

2.Anticonvulsant medications (eg.Magnesium sulfate).

3.Antihypertensives (labetalol,Nifedipine,hydralazine).

NURSING INTERVENTIONS FOR PRE-ECLAMPSIA.

• Monitor blood pressure and pulse.
• Weigh the patient regularly.
• Tell the patient to record weight at the home in between visits.
• Note signs of progressive or excessive edema.
• Assess for possible eclampsia
• Note alterations in Hb or Hct levels.
• Check the dietary intake of proteins and calories
• Note the urine colour and measure specific gravity.
• Schedule prenatal visits every 1-2 weeks if PIH is mild,weekly if severe.
• Tell patient to avoid foods high in sodium
• Encourage lateral position.
• Check FHR as indicated .

Observe for signs and symptoms of labour or uterine contractions, in case of term mother arrange for delivery.

NURSING EVALUATION OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA

• Patient must exhibit a normal blood pressure of 120/70 mmhg.
• No presence of protein should be detected in the urine.
• Edema should be confined to the lower extremities only.