Preeclampsia/eclampsia is a complex hypertensive disorder of pregnancy affecting multiple systems. Preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women can get. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are complications of pregnancy. In preeclampsia, the woman has dangerously high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
The condition is said to be usually discovered after a woman’s 20 weeks into pregnancy. However, preeclampsia is noted to continually but gradually develop throughout the woman’s pregnancy period. The symptoms of this condition may include but should not be limited to the following:
1) Excessive protein present in the urine
2) Minimized urine output
3) High blood pressure
4) Blurred and oversensitivity to light vision
5) Unbearable headaches
5) Sudden weight gain
6) Vomiting and nausea
Treatment and Prevention of Preeclampsia
As mentioned earlier in the article, the only possible way to get rid of the condition is to have the baby delivered although the doctor may recommend other possible treatments when delivery of the baby is still too early and obviously will pose more harm than good both to the mother and the unborn child. In this case, some medication may be advised for the mother to take and follow to help lower her blood pressure. The doctor will also most likely recommend a complete bed rest for the pregnant woman.
In the even that delivery of the baby is recommended and possible, the doctor will intravenously give the pregnant woman magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and induce an increased blood flow during the delivery. Within weeks after the delivery, the woman’s blood pressure should go back to its normal rate and should therefore cause no additional worry health wise.
With the cause of the disorder still being in discussion and research, there too has been no known way as to its prevention. However, the constant and regular intake of vitamin D is highly recommended by doctors as it lowers the risk for a women to acquire preeclampsia during her pregnancy period.
7 Nursing Diagnosis for Preeclampsia
1. Acute pain
reated to post Caesarean section incision
2. Alteration in Bowel Elimination: Constipation
related to decreased intestinal peristalsis.
3. Risk for infection
related to tissue trauma / skin damage
4. Risk for Fluid Volume Deficit
related to the bleeding
5. Altered family processes
related to the preparation of infant acceptance.
6. Sleep pattern disturbance
related to the tension during the birth process, pain.
7. Knowledge Deficit: perawtan about babies, family planning, nutrition
related to inadequate information.