Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What happens in a patient with preeclampsia?

1. Low blood pressure and swelling in extremities

2. Hypertensive with extremely high blood pressure and swelling

3. Severe headaches with no other symptoms

4. Stable blood pressure but with swelling in the abdomen

The correct answer is: Hypertensive with extremely high blood pressure and swelling

In a patient with preeclampsia, the hallmark features include elevated blood pressure and swelling, particularly in the extremities. Preeclampsia typically arises after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by hypertension (often defined as blood pressure being 140/90 mmHg or higher) and the presence of protein in the urine. The swelling, or edema, occurs because of increased vascular permeability and the effect of high blood pressure on blood vessels, which can cause fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. The condition poses serious risks to both the mother and the fetus, including potential progression to eclampsia, which involves the onset of seizures. Other symptoms can also include headaches, visual disturbances, and abdominal pain, but the defining features are elevated blood pressure and swelling. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention to improve outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus.