NCLEX-RN Preeclampsia Red Flags Cheat Sheet (Free Printable)

Preeclampsia is a classic NCLEX-RN topic because it tests a skill you will rely on constantly: separating normal pregnancy findings from dangerous ones. It complicates 2 to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, often with no symptoms at all. Its clues hide among ordinary complaints: feet and ankle swelling alone is normal, while swelling of the hands, face, or around the eyes is not, and right-side pain below the ribs is confused with heartburn, gallbladder pain, or a stomach virus.

This cheat sheet opens with the diagnosis: blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher plus protein in the urine after the 20th week. Early signs follow, like weight gain over 2 lb a week, then the severe red flags: headache that will not go away, vision changes, pain below the ribs, urinating less often, and nausea and vomiting. It closes with the labs that catch HELLP early, then management: seizure prevention medicines, blood pressure control in the hospital, and that complete bed rest is no longer recommended. Learn the cutoffs first, then drill the red flags, and keep its disclaimer in mind: values vary by institution, so follow your facility protocol and verify medication doses.

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Values vary by institution - follow your facility protocol and verify medication doses.

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