ASCP Pathology Assistant Practice Exam 2025 - Free Pathology Assistant Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is pre-eclampsia, which is a condition that can occur during pregnancy and is characterized by a combination of hypertension (high blood pressure), albuminuria (the presence of albumin in the urine, indicating kidney dysfunction), and edema (swelling due to fluid retention). The onset of pre-eclampsia usually occurs after the 20th week of gestation and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and fetus if not managed appropriately.

In pre-eclampsia, the presence of these symptoms signifies that the body is having difficulty maintaining a healthy state during pregnancy. Hypertension can result from the placenta's improper functioning, leading to compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Albuminuria indicates that the kidneys are being affected, which is a critical observation as it reflects the extent to which the mother's health is being compromised. Edema, which may appear in the lower extremities and sometimes in the face and hands, is a common manifestation of the fluid imbalance that can occur as a result of these other symptoms.

Understanding the characteristics of pre-eclampsia is important for timely diagnosis and intervention, which can prevent progression to more severe forms, such as eclampsia or HELLP syndrome, both