Which clinical sign is not included in the symptoms of preeclampsia?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationaleEdema, particularly peripheral edema, is a common clinical sign of preeclampsia. It results from fluid shifts due to increased vascular permeability and decreased plasma protein levels associated with the disease process.Choice B rationaleGlycosuria, the presence of glucose in the urine, is not typically a symptom of preeclampsia. It is more commonly associated with gestational diabetes, a separate condition of pregnancy characterized by impaired glucose tolerance.Choice C rationaleProteinuria, the presence of significant amounts of protein in the urine (typically ≥300 mg in a 24-hour urine collection), is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia. It reflects glomerular endothelial damage and increased permeability.Choice D rationaleHypertension, defined as a blood pressure of ≥140/90 mmHg on two separate occasions at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks of gestation, is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. It results from systemic vasoconstriction.