Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2025 – Complete Practice Resource

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by the development of hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation. The three components that define preeclampsia include:

1. **Hypertension**: This is defined as a sustained elevation of blood pressure, specifically readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher. It indicates the potential stress on the maternal cardiovascular system and is a critical measure in diagnosing preeclampsia.

2. **Proteinuria**: The presence of excess protein in the urine is another hallmark of preeclampsia. Normally, urine contains very little protein, and elevated levels can indicate kidney involvement and damage, as the kidneys struggle to filter waste effectively due to the compromised blood supply.

3. **Edema**: While edema can occur in normal pregnancies, in the context of preeclampsia, it is often more pronounced and associated with hypertension and proteinuria. Significant swelling, particularly in the face and hands, may signal the development of this condition, though edema alone is not diagnostic.

These three components are critical in the assessment and diagnosis of preeclampsia. Recognizing them helps healthcare providers monitor at-risk patients and initiate timely interventions to ensure maternal and