NR 327 EDAPT HYPERTENSION AND PREGNANCY

EDAPT - HYPERTENSION AND PREGNANCY Women who have chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy will experience a worsening of the condition and an increased likelihood of developing preeclampsia in pregnancy. Gestational hypertension (GH) is brought on by pregnancy and develops after 20 weeks gestation without the presence of protein in the urine. Deep tendon reflexes become increasingly hyperactive as preeclampsia progresses and are an indicator of impending risk for seizures. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate to treat severe preeclampsia. Which medication should the nurse administer if signs of toxicity are present? Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride are administered to reduce the effects of magnesium sulfate. Which statement is true regarding gestational hypertension (GH)? Gestational hypertension (GH) is brought on by pregnancy (not pre-existing) and develops after 20 weeks gestation without the presence of protein in the urine. This was formerly known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation in a client who was previously normotensive. The mother will present with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg. Some clients have chronic hypertension and the hormones and physical demands brought on by pregnancy will likely worsen the condition, possibly leading to preeclampsia, or even eclampsia. Gestational hypertension was previously called pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Different from chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension has these characteristics.  It is a hypertensive condition unique to pregnancy, whether the woman has a history of hypertension or not.  It is brought on by pregnancy.  It develops after 20 weeks gestation without the presence of protein in the urine.  It will resolve within 6-12 weeks postpartum. Gestational Hypertension Risk Factors  Primigravida  African American race  Age ( 18 and 35 increased occurrence)  Personal and/or family history of hypertension  Obesity  Diabetes  Gestational trophoblastic disease If gestational hypertension progresses and worsens, preeclampsia and eclampsia can develop. A woman who is not pregnant has chronic hypertension. She is now 10 weeks pregnant and has a blood pressure of 150/80. She does not have gestational hypertension but is at risk for developing it later in pregnancy