Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: In a Nutshell (Nursing)

00:01 You made it to the end. So let's review.

00:04 In a nutshell, hypertensive disorders complicate up to 10% of pregnancies, and they are the leading cause of mortality in pregnancy.

00:13 Gestational hypertension is noted by a increase in blood pressure above 140/90, after 20 weeks without any other consequences or sequelae going on.

00:25 Preeclampsia is blood pressure above 140/90, noted after 20 weeks.

00:31 And it's accompanied by other symptoms.

00:33 So remember: Gestational hypertension, no other symptoms.

00:36 Preeclampsia, we have other symptoms.

00:39 Severe preeclampsia is characterized by a blood pressure greater than 160/110 and or other organ system damage.

00:48 Eclampsia is noted by seizure activity in a client who's never had seizure activity before.

00:55 Magnesium sulfate is given to increase seizure threshold, not decrease the blood pressure.

01:01 The client that is receiving magnesium sulfate must be monitored to note signs of worsening preeclampsia and signs of magnesium toxicity.

01:11 Magnesium will also affect the fetus, and we may notice this because in a decrease in variability on the fetal heart rate tracing.

01:20 And the nurse should observe the client for signs of HELLP syndrome: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.

01:27 You did it.