Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is an indicator of pregnancy-induced hypertension?

1. Blood clots forming in the legs.

2. Persistent blood pressure measuring above 140/90.

3. Proteinuria, edema, and weight gain.

4. Vaginal bleeding.

The correct answer is: Persistent blood pressure measuring above 140/90.

Persistent blood pressure measuring above 140/90 is a key indicator of pregnancy-induced hypertension, which is a condition characterized by high blood pressure that develops after the 20th week of gestation. Monitoring blood pressure is critical during pregnancy because hypertension can lead to more serious conditions, such as preeclampsia, which can have significant health implications for both the mother and the baby. The rationale behind this being a primary indicator lies in its role as a diagnostic criterion; the definition of hypertension in pregnancy is specifically based on blood pressure readings. Continuous high blood pressure indicates that the body is not responding normally, which is a significant marker for potential complications during pregnancy. Other choices present symptoms or conditions that may be associated with pregnancy but do not serve as definitive indicators of pregnancy-induced hypertension on their own. For example, while proteinuria, edema, and weight gain are commonly associated with preeclampsia, they are somewhat more complex and not solely indicative of hypertension without concurrent blood pressure readings. Thus, while all these factors can contribute to a broader understanding of pregnancy health, the persistent blood pressure reading stands as the most direct and clear indicator of the hypertension condition specifically.