Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition defined by the onset of high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine after the 20th week of gestation. It occurs due to issues with the placenta and is thought to stem from improper blood vessel development that affects the mother's blood flow. This condition can lead to serious complications if not managed properly, both for the mother and the fetus, including the risk of eclampsia, which involves seizures. Recognizing the signs of preeclampsia is crucial for ensuring timely intervention and care for pregnant individuals.

Other conditions listed do not share these specific characteristics. Gestational diabetes, for example, relates to glucose metabolism during pregnancy, while placenta previa is associated with the abnormal positioning of the placenta, potentially causing bleeding. Hydramnios refers to excess amniotic fluid rather than blood pressure or protein levels. Thus, preeclampsia is distinct in its defining symptoms and implications during pregnancy.