A pregnant patient with chronic hypertension who has worsening blood pressure must be assessed for what potential complication?

In the context of a pregnant patient with chronic hypertension who is experiencing worsening blood pressure, it is essential to assess her for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition marked by new-onset hypertension and often involves proteinuria or other signs of organ dysfunction. It typically occurs after 20 weeks of gestation and can pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus.

The concern arises because chronic hypertension can complicate the course of pregnancy, and when combined with the elevated blood pressure seen with preeclampsia, it can lead to severe maternal and fetal complications. Monitoring for preeclampsia is critical due to its potential to progress to more severe forms, such as eclampsia, which involves seizures and can be life-threatening.

While diabetes, gestational diabetes, and thromboembolism are important considerations in pregnancy, they are not directly linked to the acute assessment of worsening blood pressure in a patient already diagnosed with chronic hypertension. In this scenario, the priority is to evaluate for preeclampsia due to the immediate risks associated with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.