Preeclampsia with severe features includes which of the following as part of its criteria?

Preeclampsia with severe features includes which of the following as part of its criteria?

• A. Blood pressure ≥160 systolic or ≥110 diastolic
• B. Blood pressure <140/90
• C. Normal platelets
• D. Absence of edema

Answer: (A)

The key concept is recognizing what defines severe features in preeclampsia. Severe-range hypertension is a central criterion: a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 110 mmHg or higher, measured on two occasions at least 4 hours apart while the patient is on bed rest. This is what makes the first option correct. The other statements don’t fit the severe-feature criteria. A blood pressure below 140/90 is not severe. Normal platelets miss the thrombocytopenia criterion that signals a severe feature, since platelet counts below 100,000/µL are part of the severe features. Absence of edema isn’t a defining criterion either; edema can occur in pregnancy and by itself doesn’t establish severity.

The key concept is recognizing what defines severe features in preeclampsia. Severe-range hypertension is a central criterion: a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 110 mmHg or higher, measured on two occasions at least 4 hours apart while the patient is on bed rest. This is what makes the first option correct.

The other statements don’t fit the severe-feature criteria. A blood pressure below 140/90 is not severe. Normal platelets miss the thrombocytopenia criterion that signals a severe feature, since platelet counts below 100,000/µL are part of the severe features. Absence of edema isn’t a defining criterion either; edema can occur in pregnancy and by itself doesn’t establish severity.