Which condition involves hypertension with proteinuria, edema, or both due to pregnancy?

• A. Eclampsia
• B. Supine hypotensive syndrome
• C. Preeclampsia
• D. Pregnancy induced hypertension

Answer: (C)

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that occurs in pregnancy and is defined by new-onset high blood pressure after about 20 weeks gestation, with either protein in the urine or edema (or both). The presence of proteinuria indicates kidney involvement, and edema reflects overall vascular permeability and fluid shifts that accompany this condition. This combination—hypertension plus proteinuria and/or edema arising from pregnancy—distinguishes preeclampsia from other pregnancy-related conditions.

Eclampsia would involve seizures in addition to the high blood pressure and proteinuria, so while related, it’s a progression, not the basic diagnosis. Supine hypotensive syndrome causes low blood pressure due to the gravid uterus compressing the vena cava, not hypertension. Gestational hypertension (pregnancy-induced hypertension) means high blood pressure after 20 weeks without proteinuria. So the best match for hypertension with proteinuria or edema due to pregnancy is preeclampsia.

In EMS care, suspect preeclampsia in a late-pregnant patient with high blood pressure plus proteinuria or edema; monitor vitals closely, position the patient on her left side to improve placental perfusion, provide oxygen if needed, and prepare for rapid transport with all necessary obstetric precautions. If seizures occur, treat as a seizure patient and manage airway, breathing, circulation while continuing transport.