A pregnant patient with severe hypertension, edema, and visual changes is most likely to have which condition?

• A. Preeclampsia
• B. Placental abruption
• C. Hyperemesis gravidarum
• D. Gestational diabetes

Answer: (A)

This scenario points to preeclampsia with severe features. Preeclampsia is pregnancy-related hypertension that develops after 20 weeks and includes signs of end-organ involvement. Vision changes reflect cerebral or retinal involvement, which signals a more severe form. The combination of very high blood pressure, edema, and visual symptoms is classic for this condition and requires urgent evaluation and management to protect both mother and baby.

The other conditions don’t fit this pattern: placental abruption usually presents with painful vaginal bleeding and uterine tenderness; hyperemesis gravidarum causes persistent vomiting and weight loss; gestational diabetes involves hyperglycemia-related symptoms and does not typically present with new visual changes and severe hypertension.