Final answer:
Pre-eclampsia is identified by complaints like headaches and visual disturbances along with lab findings such as proteinuria, low platelet count, and elevated liver enzymes. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and lab evidence of organ dysfunction, with close monitoring required to prevent severe complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Complaints and Lab Findings in Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine. The complaints typically associated with pre-eclampsia include headache, visual disturbances, upper abdominal pain, and sometimes swelling of the hands and face. Lab findings suggestive of pre-eclampsia may include proteinuria (protein in the urine), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), elevated liver enzymes, and, occasionally, evidence of kidney dysfunction or hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).
The diagnosis of pre-eclampsia is primarily based on the clinical symptoms and laboratory evidence of organ dysfunction. Key laboratory tests for the diagnosis include urine analysis to detect proteinuria, a complete blood count (CBC) to check for thrombocytopenia, and liver function tests. Blood pressure monitoring is essential because hypertension is a hallmark of the condition. If pre-eclampsia is suspected, additional tests may be ordered to assess the severity of organ involvement and to monitor the health of the mother and fetus.
Pre-eclampsia requires careful management and monitoring by healthcare providers to prevent complications, which can include eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome (a severe form of pre-eclampsia), and risks to the fetus such as growth restriction or preterm birth.