North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What defines preeclampsia during pregnancy?

1. Low blood pressure with significant swelling

2. Blood pressure related to labor

3. Pregnancy-induced hypertension

4. High blood pressure only

The correct answer is: Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Preeclampsia is primarily defined as a pregnancy complication characterized by the onset of high blood pressure and often accompanied by damage to other organ systems, most notably the kidneys. The diagnosis typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and includes persistent hypertension and proteinuria or other signs of organ dysfunction. The key feature that distinguishes preeclampsia from other forms of hypertension in pregnancy is its association with these additional complications. While elevated blood pressure is a core component, preeclampsia also involves systemic features that warrant consideration, hence the choice regarding pregnancy-induced hypertension particularly emphasizes the condition's context and potential implications for both the mother and the fetus. High blood pressure alone is insufficient to diagnose preeclampsia without the additional complications. Therefore, focusing solely on high blood pressure or labor-related hypertension misses the critical aspects that define preeclampsia. Similarly, low blood pressure with significant swelling does not align with the typical presentation of preeclampsia, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure rather than a decrease. Thus, the recognition of preeclampsia as a form of pregnancy-induced hypertension captures both the elevated blood pressure and the associated risks to maternal and fetal health.