What physiological change is primarily monitored in patients with preeclampsia?

In patients with preeclampsia, the primary physiological change that is monitored is blood pressure. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure, which typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. This condition also involves damage to other organ systems, primarily the liver and kidneys, but blood pressure is the most significant indicator used to assess the severity of the condition.

Monitoring blood pressure is crucial because severe elevations can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus, including eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures, and other organ dysfunctions. The presence of hypertension in a pregnant woman helps healthcare providers to diagnose and manage preeclampsia and to take appropriate actions to protect both maternal and fetal health.

Other physiological changes, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, may be assessed in patients but are not the primary indicators of preeclampsia. Instead, they could be part of a broader evaluation but do not specifically reflect the critical concern regarding vascular system integrity and hypertensive complications associated with preeclampsia.