At her 28-week prenatal visit, Jackie complained of frequent headaches and swelling in her ankles and feet. Her urine sample revealed protein in her urine. At 32 weeks gestation, she experienced her first seizure and was taken to the emergency department of the hospital. Her obstetrician ordered bed rest and prescribed her a medication called magnesium sulfate to help control her blood pressure. Jackie's condition continued to worsen, however, and at 36 weeks gestation, labor was induced and the baby was delivered. Jackie and her baby had to stay in the hospital for one week after delivery, but by discharge, Jackie's blood pressure was approaching normal. Which term describes Jackie's condition at the time of delivery?

Question

Multiple Choice
Preeclampsia
Oliguria
Eclampsia
Epilepsy

Answer 1

The correct term that describes Jackie's condition at the time of delivery is Eclampsia.

Eclampsia is characterized by the onset of seizures in a patient with preeclampsia, which includes symptoms such as high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and edema (swelling). Given that Jackie experienced seizures (her first seizure) and was diagnosed with related complications during her pregnancy, eclampsia is the most accurate term.

Preeclampsia refers to the condition with the symptoms leading up to seizures (without the seizure itself), while oliguria refers to low urine output, and epilepsy is a separate neurological condition unrelated to pregnancy.