MCN Exam Survival: Preeclampsia & Eclampsia Notes
Learning Objectives:
After reading this note, you will be able to:
● Understand the key definitions and differences between preeclampsia and
eclampsia
● Recognize risk factors, clinical manifestations, and complications
● Apply priority nursing actions and management strategies for exams
Quick Overview
● Preeclampsia = BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks gestation + proteinuria or
organ dysfunction
● Eclampsia = Preeclampsia + seizures
● High-risk conditions: first pregnancy, multiple gestation, chronic hypertension
● Priority: maternal safety & fetal monitoring
● NCLEX-style questions focus on signs, interventions, and complication prevention
DEFINITION
Preeclampsia
● A pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder occurring after 20 weeks gestation.
● Characterized by hypertension + proteinuria, sometimes with organ dysfunction
(kidney, liver, brain).
Eclampsia
● The occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a woman with
preeclampsia.
● Can occur before, during, or after labor, posing a high risk of maternal and fetal
morbidity/mortality.
Exam Tip: If there is proteinuria + severe BP, think preeclampsia; if seizures
occur, it’s eclampsia.
, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Simplified)
1. Starting Point: Abnormal Placental Implantation
● The first box shows that the placenta does not implant properly in the uterus.
● This is the root cause of preeclampsia.
2. Impaired Spiral Artery Remodeling
● Normally, spiral arteries expand to supply enough blood to the placenta.
● In preeclampsia, these arteries do not remodel, reducing blood flow to the
placenta.
3. Reduced Uteroplacental Blood Flow
● Less blood to the placenta = placental ischemia.
● The placenta releases antiangiogenic factors (substances that damage maternal
blood vessels).
Learning Objectives:
After reading this note, you will be able to:
● Understand the key definitions and differences between preeclampsia and
eclampsia
● Recognize risk factors, clinical manifestations, and complications
● Apply priority nursing actions and management strategies for exams
Quick Overview
● Preeclampsia = BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks gestation + proteinuria or
organ dysfunction
● Eclampsia = Preeclampsia + seizures
● High-risk conditions: first pregnancy, multiple gestation, chronic hypertension
● Priority: maternal safety & fetal monitoring
● NCLEX-style questions focus on signs, interventions, and complication prevention
DEFINITION
Preeclampsia
● A pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder occurring after 20 weeks gestation.
● Characterized by hypertension + proteinuria, sometimes with organ dysfunction
(kidney, liver, brain).
Eclampsia
● The occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a woman with
preeclampsia.
● Can occur before, during, or after labor, posing a high risk of maternal and fetal
morbidity/mortality.
Exam Tip: If there is proteinuria + severe BP, think preeclampsia; if seizures
occur, it’s eclampsia.
, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Simplified)
1. Starting Point: Abnormal Placental Implantation
● The first box shows that the placenta does not implant properly in the uterus.
● This is the root cause of preeclampsia.
2. Impaired Spiral Artery Remodeling
● Normally, spiral arteries expand to supply enough blood to the placenta.
● In preeclampsia, these arteries do not remodel, reducing blood flow to the
placenta.
3. Reduced Uteroplacental Blood Flow
● Less blood to the placenta = placental ischemia.
● The placenta releases antiangiogenic factors (substances that damage maternal
blood vessels).
