Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is a possible complication of severe eclampsia?

1. Placenta previa

2. Placenta abruptio

3. Erythroblastosis fetalis

4. Uterine rupture

The correct answer is: Placenta abruptio

Severe eclampsia can lead to a range of complications, with placental abruption being a significant concern. In the context of severe eclampsia, increased blood pressure and uterine contractions may cause the placenta to separate prematurely from the uterine wall. This separation, known as placental abruption, can endanger both the mother and the fetus, leading to complications such as fetal distress, hemorrhage, and even maternal death if not managed promptly. The risk factors associated with eclampsia, such as hypertension and seizures, contribute to the likelihood of experiencing placental abruption during this condition. While the other options present various complications related to pregnancy and fetal health, they do not directly connect to the acute clinical picture of severe eclampsia as strongly as placental abruption does. For instance, placenta previa involves the placenta being located low in the uterus and does not typically arise as a direct complication of eclampsia. Erythroblastosis fetalis is related to Rh incompatibility and involves antibody-mediated fetal hemolysis, and uterine rupture, although a potential risk in labor, does not have the same direct association with the hypertensive crisis and seizure activity seen in severe eclampsia