Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of impending eclampsia ?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Breathlessness

Rationale:

Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures that occur in women with preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage. Recognizing the warning signs of impending eclampsia is critical for timely intervention.
Breathlessness is not a recognized warning sign of impending eclampsia. While it may occur in pregnancy due to other causes such as anemia, pulmonary embolism, or heart-related issues, it is not specifically indicative of eclampsia.

Explanation of Other Options:

Headache

Rationale: Severe and persistent headaches are a common warning sign of preeclampsia and impending eclampsia. They are often caused by elevated blood pressure leading to increased intracranial pressure or cerebral edema.
These headaches are typically resistant to normal pain relief measures and may be accompanied by visual disturbances.

Swollen Feet

Rationale: Swelling, particularly in the feet, hands, and face, is a common symptom of preeclampsia due to fluid retention. While mild swelling can be normal during pregnancy, sudden or severe swelling is considered a warning sign and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Epigastric Pain

Rationale: Epigastric or right upper quadrant pain is a significant warning sign of eclampsia. It is often caused by liver involvement, such as hepatic swelling or subcapsular hematoma, due to preeclampsia.
This symptom may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting and should be taken seriously as it indicates worsening disease severity.

Additional Information:

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition that usually develops after 20 weeks of gestation and can lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby if untreated. It is characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria, and signs of organ dysfunction.
Eclampsia refers to the onset of seizures or coma in a woman with preeclampsia, and it is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Other warning signs of impending eclampsia include visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, flashing lights), hyperreflexia, and reduced urine output.