Relias Hypertension Practice Test

Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia is a diagnosis characterized by the presence of pre-existing hypertension that precedes the pregnancy and the development of new symptoms associated with preeclampsia after 20 weeks of gestation. The serum creatinine level of 1.3 indicates some level of kidney impairment, which can be aligned with the onset of preeclampsia, as it is known to affect renal function due to the involvement of vascular endothelium and increased systemic vascular resistance.

The diagnosis is particularly important in the context of monitoring the health of both the mother and fetus. In preeclampsia, hypertension usually is accompanied by additional symptoms such as proteinuria or signs of end-organ dysfunction, which would be significant in a patient presenting with chronic hypertension. Therefore, the combination of chronic hypertension and an elevation in serum creatinine suggests that there may be additional complications arising from the hypertension, which is consistent with superimposed preeclampsia. This diagnosis helps guide management to mitigate risks to both the mother and the fetus.

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