Preeclampsia & Eclampsia Warning Signs Quiz

1. A patient with preeclampsia is prescribed magnesium sulfate. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

Lower blood pressure rapidly

Prevent seizures (eclampsia)

Increase urine output

Reduce proteinuria

2. At what blood pressure threshold is a pregnant woman diagnosed with gestational hypertension?

≥130/80 mmHg

≥140/90 mmHg

≥160/110 mmHg

≥170/120 mmHg

3. Which complication can occur in the postpartum period after eclampsia?

Recurrent seizures within 48 hours

Permanent hypertension only

Automatic resolution with no follow-up needed

Immediate return to baseline BP

4. A patient with eclampsia experiences a seizure. After ensuring airway safety, what is the next nursing priority?

Administer antihypertensive medication

Administer magnesium sulfate IV

Check fetal heart rate

Call for emergency cesarean section

5. Which symptom reported by a pregnant patient warrants immediate evaluation for preeclampsia?

Mild ankle swelling in the evening

Sudden severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen

Occasional nausea after meals

Fatigue during the third trimester

6. At how many weeks of gestation can preeclampsia first be diagnosed?

After 20 weeks

After 24 weeks

After 28 weeks

Only after 32 weeks

7. A patient with preeclampsia complains of right upper quadrant pain and nausea. What complication is suspected?

Appendicitis

HELLP syndrome

Gestational diabetes

Placental abruption

8. Which antihypertensive is first-line for acute hypertensive crisis in preeclampsia?

Lisinopril

Labetalol or nifedipine

Atenolol

Hydrochlorothiazide

9. Which clinical manifestation indicates progression from preeclampsia to eclampsia?

Persistent headache and visual changes

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Mild upper right quadrant pain

Trace proteinuria on dipstick

10. Which visual symptom in a preeclamptic patient suggests cerebral involvement?

Presbyopia

Scotomata or blurred vision

Presbycusis

Astigmatism

11. A patient with preeclampsia has a serum creatinine of 1.4 mg/dL (baseline 0.8). This indicates:

Normal kidney function

Mild renal impairment

Preeclampsia with severe features

Chronic kidney disease

12. A patient on magnesium sulfate therapy shows signs of toxicity. Which finding would you expect?

Hyperreflexia and tremor

Absent patellar reflex and respiratory depression

Tachycardia and anxiety

Diarrhea and abdominal cramping

13. What is the definitive treatment for eclampsia?

Antihypertensive therapy alone

Magnesium sulfate alone

Delivery of the fetus and placenta

Strict bed rest for 2 weeks

14. Which finding on a 24-hour urine collection confirms proteinuria in preeclampsia?

≥0.3 grams of protein

≥1 gram of protein

≥2 grams of protein

≥5 grams of protein

15. Which laboratory finding is associated with HELLP syndrome (a severe complication of preeclampsia)?

Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

Elevated platelet count

Decreased liver enzymes

16. A pregnant patient at 34 weeks has BP 145/92 mmHg and 1+ proteinuria without symptoms. Management includes:

Immediate delivery

Antepartum testing and close monitoring

Antihypertensive therapy immediately

Bed rest only at home

17. A 32-year-old primigravida at 28 weeks presents with BP 160/110 mmHg and 3+ proteinuria. Which finding would confirm preeclampsia with severe features?

Platelet count 150,000/mm³

Serum creatinine 0.8 mg/dL

Platelet count 90,000/mm³

AST 25 IU/L

18. A patient receives magnesium sulfate 4 g IV loading dose. The infusion rate should not exceed:

1 g/minute

2 g/minute

4 g/minute

6 g/minute

19. A 28-week pregnant patient has BP 155/100 mmHg, 2+ proteinuria, and no symptoms. What diagnosis applies?

Preeclampsia without severe features