NSG 210: Olivia Jones Concept map

NSG 210: Olivia Jones Concept map DESCRIBE DISEASE PROCESS AFFECTING PATIENT (INCLUDE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DISEASE PROCESS) Preeclampsia is classified as generalized vasospasm. This is characterized by a high blood pressure as well as other signs of damage to other organs (kidneys, liver). A woman can have normal blood pressure throughout her pregnancy and then after 20 weeks gestation begin to show signs of preeclampsia. Mild preeclampsia is a blood pressure of >140/90mmHg, and severe preeclampsia is a blood pressure of >160/110mmHg. If this is left untreated it can lead to complications for the patient and the baby. Usually the most effective treatment is to delivery the baby. Preeclampsia can cause pulmonary edema, seizures, abnormal liver enzymes, oliguria, and thrombocytopenia. Preeclampsia can devlop with or without symptoms. However, the most relevant one is the elevated blood pressure and the proteinuria. The patient can also experience severe headaches, vision changes, upper epigastric pain, decreased urine output, nausea and vomiting, decreased platelets, and SOB. Diagnosis is done by urine dip test to see if there is protein in the urine, blood test are done to check liver fuction and blood counts. Fetal ultrasound needs to be performed to monitor the baby’s growth as well as weight and the amount of amniotic fluid there is. Lastly, there is a biophysical profile that is performed to check the baby’s heart rate as it moves. As preeclampsia increases in severity so does the risk of seizures, stroke, placental abruption so the most effective treatment is delivery