Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsiaA. Discussion of disease/condition1. IncidencePregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a multiorgan pathological process that develops following pregnancy and regresses in the postpartum period. It usually develops after the 20th week of gestation in a woman who had normal blood pressure. It is defined as an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140/90 mm Hg. In clinical practice, the terms PIH and preeclampsia are used interchangeably, but in preeclampsia the woman also has protein in her urine, indicating that there is also renal involvement. The only known cure for preeclampsia is childbirth. It is a relatively common pregnancy problem, affecting approximately 8% of all pregnancies. (Murray, p680)2. Risk FactorsThere are many factors that increase a woman's risk. These include women who are about to have their first child, those under 17 years of age, women who are obese, women with diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension or pre-existing vascular disease and women with multi-fetal gestation. Additionally, a woman is more likely to suffer from preeclampsia if her mother or sister has the disorder. (Murray, p681)3. Etiology and pathophysiology Preeclampsia is due to generalized vasospasm. In natural pregnancy, vascular volume and cardiac output increase significantly, but despite these increases, blood pressure does not increase in normal pregnancy. This is due to the resistance of pregnant women to the effects of vasoconstrictors such as angiotension. However, in preeclampsia, peripheral vascular resistance increases because some women are sensitive to angiotension. Vasospasm decreases the diameter of blood vessels, resulting in the formation of endothelia... center of paper... p685). When MgSo is administered, the nurse determines the woman's hourly respiratory rate, level of consciousness, and reflexes). The urine is checked for protein every four hours. It should assess the woman's stress level and help her with ways to reduce it. Signs that the woman is recovering from preeclampsia include a urinary output of 4 to 6 liters per day, a decrease or absence of protein in the urine, and a return of normal blood pressure within 2 weeks. (Murray, p.685)B How does your patient fit into this textbook image? My patient, LC, fits this textbook image in many ways. The theses include that this is her first child, she is obese, she has diabetes mellitus (14 weeks pregnant). She also had protein in her urine on 09/10/03 and her blood pressure was 145/90, so she was diagnosed with PIH and told to stay in bed on rest. On 10/9/03 she was diagnosed with preeclampsia.