Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) and Preeclampsia

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Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and Preeclampsia

A. Discussion of disease/condition

1. Incidence

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is a multi-organ disease process that develops as a result of pregnancy and regresses in the postpartum period. It usually develops after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman who had normal blood pressure. It is defined as an elevation of systolic and diastolic pressures equal to or above 140/90 mm Hg. In clinical practice, the terms PIH and preeclampsia are used interchangeable, but in preeclampsia the woman also has protein in her urine indicating that there is renal involvement as well. The only know cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the fetus. It is a relatively common problem of pregnancy and affects about 8% of all pregnancies. (Murray, p680)

2. Risk factors

There are many factors that increase a woman's risk. Those include women who are having their first baby, those under 17 years old, women who are obese, having diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, or preexisting vascular disease and women with multi-fetal gestation. Also a woman is more likely to have preeclampsia if the mother or sister has the disorder. (Murray, p681)

3. Etiology and Pathophysiology

Preeclampsia is due to generalized vasospasm. In natural pregnancy, vascular volume and cardiac output increase significantly, but despite these increases, blood pressure does not rise in normal pregnancy. This is because pregnant women resistance to the effects of vasoconstrictors such as angiotension. However, in preeclampsia, peripheral vascular resistance increase because some women are sensitive to angiotension

Vasospasm decrease the diameter of blood vessels which results in endotheli...

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... p685).

When given MgSo, the nurse determines the woman's respiratory rate hourly, level of consciousness and reflexes). Urine is checked for protein every four hours. She should assess the woman's stress level and help her with ways to lessen it.

Signs that the woman is recovering from preeclampsia include urinary output of 4-6 liter/day, decreased or no protein in urine and a return of normal blood pressure within 2 weeks. (Murray, p.685)

B How does your patient fit this textbook picture?

My patient, LC, fit this textbook picture in many ways. Theses include this is her first baby, she is obese, have diabetes mellitus (on her 14th week of pregnancy). She also had protein in her urine on 10/09/03 and her BP was 145/90 and so she was diagnosed with PIH and told to stay on her bed rest at home. On 10/09/03, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia.

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