A patient at 37 weeks with severe preeclampsia has received magnesium sulfate. BP remains 176/112 mmHg on repeated measurement but there is no

Question

A patient at 37 weeks with severe preeclampsia has received magnesium sulfate. BP remains 176/112 mmHg on repeated measurement but there is no pulmonary edema or fetal bradycardia. Which immediate additional treatment is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Give IV labetalol, hydralazine or immediate-release nifedipine now

Answer

Restrict IV access because magnesium alone treats blood pressure

Answer

Give an ACE inhibitor because it rapidly lowers BP and prevents seizures

Answer

Delay antihypertensive therapy until delivery is underway

Answer

Use a thiazide diuretic as first-line treatment of preeclamptic hypertension

Status epilepticus — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A patient at 37 weeks with severe preeclampsia has received magnesium sulfate. BP remains 176/112 mmHg on repeated measurement but there is no pulmonary edema or fetal bradycardia. Which immediate additional treatment is appropriate?