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Preeclampsia, Melissa Mcguire

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that if left untreated could result in maternal and/or fetal death. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder that can affect many different body systems. That pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not completely known, but alterations in placentation are thought to cause the disorder. Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include: elevated blood pressure, blurred or double vision, epigastric pain, severe headache, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, kidney failure, and liver failure. Preeclampsia with severe features can lead to the development of HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), disseminated intravascular coagulation, and eclampsia. The only cure for …