Eclampsia is characterized by which life-threatening symptom set?

• A. Eclampsia
• B. Placenta previa
• C. Preeclampsia
• D. Septicemia

Answer: (A)

Eclampsia is defined by the onset of generalized seizures in a pregnant patient, typically in the setting of preeclampsia. The life-threatening symptom set to recognize is convulsions (generalized tonic-clonic seizures) that may progress to coma, reflecting cerebral involvement from severe hypertension and abnormal placental perfusion. This distinguishes it from other conditions: placenta previa causes painless vaginal bleeding due to placental placement; preeclampsia involves new-onset hypertension with proteinuria but does not by itself include seizures; septicemia is a systemic infection with signs like fever and shock rather than the seizure activity that characterizes eclampsia. In the field, focus on seizure precautions, airway support, supplemental oxygen, rapid transport to a facility with obstetric care, and ongoing monitoring of mother and fetus.