Preeclampsia

Maria Sanchez is a 40 year old female who is 36 weeks pregnant and is admitted to the hospital because of high blood pressures and preeclampsia. She is worried about the health of her baby. This is her first pregnancy and just hopes everything goes well.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia
2. Conduct a focused maternal assessment, including blood pressure, reflexes, lung sounds, urine output, and symptom evaluation.
3. Assess fetal well-being, including fetal heart rate (FHR) interpretation and kick counts (if applicable).
4. Monitor for progression to severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, and initiate appropriate nursing interventions
5. Provide therapeutic communication to reduce anxiety and explain care to the patient and support person.

1. Accurately assess maternal and fetal indicators of preeclampsia and identify worsening symptoms.
2. Monitor and interpret fetal heart rate tracings for signs of fetal compromise.
3. Communicate clinical findings clearly to the provider using SBAR and participate in the plan of care.
4. Document maternal-fetal assessments, medication administration, and patient response accurately.