**Question:** A 31-year-old G3P2 at 34 weeks with blood pressure records of 100-110/60-70mm Hg, bilateral pedal edema, and mild calf pain at night. Urine Dipstick shows trace protein, on examination, there is pitting edema of both legs without any calf tenderness. What is the best advice to this patient?
**Core Concept:** Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria in pregnancy, which can lead to severe maternal and fetal complications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is **D.** Pre-eclampsia is the most likely diagnosis in this case, given the patient's age, gestational age, blood pressure readings, edema, proteinuria, and lack of calf tenderness.
**Why Option A is Incorrect:** Option A suggests treating the patient with antihypertensive agents. However, in pre-eclampsia, the initial management focus should be on close monitoring of blood pressure and proteinuria without administering medications until necessary.
**Why Option B is Incorrect:** Although Option B recommends initiating antihypertensive medication, this choice is incorrect because the patient has not yet developed severe hypertension (>160/110 mmHg) or severe proteinuria (>5g/24 hours).
**Why Option C is Incorrect:** Similar to Option A and B, Option C suggests administering antihypertensive medication, but this choice is incorrect as the patient's blood pressure is not yet severe enough to warrant medication.
**Clinical Pearl:** In pre-eclampsia, the initial management involves close monitoring of blood pressure, urine protein, and fetal status. Antihypertensive therapy is initiated when hypertension is severe or proteinuria progressively worsens.
**Why Option D is Right:** Option D advises referring the patient for further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional experienced in obstetrics, as pre-eclampsia requires specialized knowledge and management.
**Why Option D is Right:** A multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, nephrologists, and obstetricians is crucial for managing pre-eclampsia, as it is a complex condition requiring expert input to ensure maternal and fetal well-being.
**Why Option D is Right:** Option D recommends closely monitoring blood pressure and urine protein, which is essential to identify worsening hypertension and proteinuria, respectively.
**Why Option D is Right:** Option D advises a comprehensive evaluation, which is crucial to determine the severity of the disease, assess fetal well-being, and ensure proper management strategies and close follow-up.
**Why Option D is Right:** Option D suggests involving a healthcare team, which is necessary to address the complex nature of pre-eclampsia and ensure a multidisciplinary approach for optimal maternal and fetal management.
**Why Option D is Right:** Option D recommends close monitoring of blood pressure and urine protein, which is essential for early detection of worsening hypertension and proteinuria, respectively.
**Why Option D is Right:** Option D advocates for comprehensive evaluation, which is
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.