Preeclampsia typically occurs after 20 weeks and is characterized by which findings?

Preeclampsia typically occurs after 20 weeks and is characterized by which findings?

• A. Hypotension and proteinuria with edema
• B. Hypertension with edema but no proteinuria
• C. Edema alone with normal blood pressure
• D. Hypertension plus proteinuria +/- edema after 20 weeks gestation

Answer: (D)

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy‑specific hypertensive disorder that develops after 20 weeks of gestation and is defined by new-onset hypertension plus proteinuria or other signs of end‑organ dysfunction. The presence of proteinuria is a classic diagnostic feature, and edema is a common accompanying finding but not required for the diagnosis. Why this option fits best: it describes high blood pressure after 20 weeks plus proteinuria, and edema may be present or not. This aligns with the diagnostic criteria since proteinuria (or end‑organ dysfunction) makes it preeclampsia even if edema varies in presence. Why the other scenarios don’t fit: hypertension with edema but no proteinuria would be gestational hypertension with edema, not preeclampsia. Edema alone with normal blood pressure isn’t diagnostic. Hypotension after 20 weeks is not characteristic of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy‑specific hypertensive disorder that develops after 20 weeks of gestation and is defined by new-onset hypertension plus proteinuria or other signs of end‑organ dysfunction. The presence of proteinuria is a classic diagnostic feature, and edema is a common accompanying finding but not required for the diagnosis.

Why this option fits best: it describes high blood pressure after 20 weeks plus proteinuria, and edema may be present or not. This aligns with the diagnostic criteria since proteinuria (or end‑organ dysfunction) makes it preeclampsia even if edema varies in presence.

Why the other scenarios don’t fit: hypertension with edema but no proteinuria would be gestational hypertension with edema, not preeclampsia. Edema alone with normal blood pressure isn’t diagnostic. Hypotension after 20 weeks is not characteristic of preeclampsia.