Severe hypertension in pregnancy — DRCOG MCQ

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EasyAntenatal CareSevere hypertension in pregnancyDRCOG

A 37-year-old woman at 30 weeks has blood pressure 170/112 mmHg and severe frontal headache. When should this patient be referred?

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Correct answer: A — Refer immediately to obstetric emergency care

Refer immediately to obstetric emergency care is the best answer because the vignette is testing Severe hypertension in pregnancy and the recommended approach is consistent with NICE NG133. The other referral timings are either too slow for the risk described or use a pathway intended for a different presentation. Specifically, Refer urgently for safeguarding assessment; Refer within two weeks on a suspected cancer pathway; Refer to specialist contraception services; Refer immediately to emergency obstetric care would be suboptimal in this scenario. Referral timing is determined by red flags, pregnancy stage and suspected cancer or emergency pathways.

Reference: NICE NG133