A pregnant patient with hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation has preeclampsia. What is the priority management?

• A. Increase protein intake
• B. Ignore symptoms
• C. Monitor maternal-fetal status and prepare for potential delivery; administer magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures if indicated
• D. Immediately induce delivery regardless

Answer: (C)

In preeclampsia, the priority is to protect the mother from progression to seizures and organ damage while planning for delivery. The strategy centers on stabilizing the mother and closely monitoring both maternal and fetal status, so delivery can be timed safely. Administering magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia who have severe features or are at high risk, serving as a key protective measure during stabilization and before delivery if indicated. Delivering the baby is the definitive treatment, but the timing depends on how severe the condition is and how far along the pregnancy is, balancing maternal safety with fetal maturity. Increasing protein intake does not address the underlying pathology, and ignoring symptoms or delivering immediately without stabilization are not appropriate.