Clinical presentation, assessment and management of pre-eclampsia

Nurs Stand. 2015 Jul 8;29(45):51-9. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.45.51.e9952.

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia is a complex and unpredictable disorder that may occur during pregnancy. Its presentation ranges from mild to severe, and the condition may lead to the death of the mother and/or the baby in extreme cases. The earlier the disorder is detected and managed, the better the outcome. This article provides an outline of the disorder and its management, within the framework of UK and international guidelines. A series of suggested activities encourages the reader to reflect on the information provided within the context of their practice.

Keywords: Appropriate referral; assessment; hypertension; pre-eclampsia; pregnancy; proteinuria; warning signs.

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pre-Eclampsia / blood
  • Pre-Eclampsia / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy
  • Proteinuria / blood
  • Proteinuria / diagnosis*
  • United Kingdom
  • Uric Acid / blood

Substances

  • Uric Acid