The nurse is performing an assessment on a pregnant patient with a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia. The nurse reviews the assessment findings and determines that which finding is most closely associated with a complication of this diagnosis?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Feeling hot when the room is cold is not a typical sign or complication of severe preeclampsia. This symptom is more related to general temperature sensitivity and does not indicate the hematologic or vascular complications associated with preeclampsia. B. Evidence of bleeding, including gums bleeding, petechiae, and purpura, may indicate thrombocytopenia or a progression toward HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets), a severe complication of preeclampsia. These findings suggest impaired coagulation and increased risk of bleeding, which are life-threatening if not promptly managed. Monitoring for such hematologic complications is essential in severe preeclampsia. C. Edema of the lower extremities is common in normal pregnancy and mild preeclampsia, but it is not a specific sign of a serious complication. While generalized edema can indicate worsening preeclampsia, isolated lower-extremity edema is not as closely associated with life-threatening complications as bleeding or hematologic abnormalities. D. Periods of fetal movement followed by quiet periods are typical fetal behavior and do not indicate a maternal complication of preeclampsia. Monitoring for changes in fetal movement is important, but this finding alone does not reflect maternal complications of severe preeclampsia.