Physical Examination for Preeclampsia - Notes

General Appearance

  • Alertness: Assess if the patient is alert or drowsy.
  • Skin: Look for any rashes or jaundice.

Vitals

  • Blood Pressure: Primary focus.
  • Pulse Rate
  • Oxygen Saturation

Neurological Examination

  • Cranial Nerve Examination
  • Fundoscopy: To check for papilloedema (swelling of the optic disc).
  • Upper and Lower Limb Neurological Examination
    • Clonus: Involuntary muscle spasms/contractions.
    • Hyperreflexia: Overactive reflexes.
    • Tone: Assess muscle tone.

Cardiovascular Examination

  • Assess heart sounds:
    • S1 and S2: Check if normal.
    • Murmurs: Listen for any heart murmurs.
    • Added Sounds: Identify any additional heart sounds that are not normal.

Respiratory System Examination

  • Auscultation: Listen for bibasal crepes (crackling sounds at the base of the lungs).

Abdominal Examination

  • Palpation (Right Upper Quadrant):
    • Check for hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).
  • Uterus: Check for tenderness.
  • Leopold's Maneuvers:
    • Frontal Height
    • Frontal Lie and Presentation
    • Fundal Heart Rate

Pelvic Examination

  • Consent and Chaperone Required
  • Inspection:
    • Bleeding
    • Discharge

Urine Dipstick Test

  • Proteinuria: To check for protein in the urine.