What should you monitor in a patient who is experiencing severe preeclampsia?

Monitoring maternal blood pressure is crucial in patients experiencing severe preeclampsia because elevated blood pressure is a defining characteristic of this condition. Severe preeclampsia is marked by significantly high blood pressure, and managing it is essential to prevent complications such as stroke, organ damage, or placental abruption. Keeping a close watch on blood pressure can help healthcare providers make timely decisions regarding treatments and interventions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus.

While monitoring fetal heart rate is important for assessing the well-being of the fetus, and oxygen saturation is essential for overall respiratory status, it is the maternal blood pressure that directly correlates with the severity of preeclampsia and its associated risks. Blood glucose levels can also be monitored, but they are not a primary concern related to the diagnosis and management of severe preeclampsia.