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Severe preeclampsia — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardOB/GYN (prenatal care, contraception, screening)Severe preeclampsiaUSMLE Step 3

A 33-year-old woman at 31 weeks has blood pressure 168/112 mm Hg, severe headache, and visual scotomata. Urine protein-creatinine ratio is 0.8. Platelets are 105,000/mm3. Fetal heart tracing is reassuring. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Hospitalize, give magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive therapy

Preeclampsia with severe-range blood pressure and neurologic symptoms requires inpatient management, seizure prophylaxis, blood pressure control, and delivery planning.

Reference: ACOG Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia Practice Bulletin