A postpartum patient with preeclampsia with severe features has persistent BP 168/112 mm Hg 2 hours after delivery and a severe headache. She is breas...

Question

A postpartum patient with preeclampsia with severe features has persistent BP 168/112 mm Hg 2 hours after delivery and a severe headache. She is breastfeeding and has normal renal function. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start ACE inhibitor now as first-line emergency therapy

Answer

Observe for 4 hours; postpartum hypertension often resolves

Answer

Initiate magnesium sulfate infusion and treat severe-range BP promptly with IV labetalol, hydralazine, or oral nifedipine

Answer

Use diuretics only to lower BP

Answer

Start heparin for seizure prophylaxis

us-usmle-step-2 MCQ (SBA): Preeclampsia

A postpartum patient with preeclampsia with severe features has persistent BP 168/112 mm Hg 2 hours after delivery and a severe headache. She is breastfeeding and has normal renal function. What is the most appropriate immediate management?