American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What definitive therapy is indicated for preeclampsia?

1. Bed rest

2. Medication adjustment

3. Delivery of the baby

4. Intensive monitoring

The correct answer is: Delivery of the baby

The definitive therapy indicated for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the kidneys. The only cure for preeclampsia is the delivery of the placenta and the fetus, as the onset and progression of the condition are directly linked to pregnancy. Once the baby is delivered, the pathophysiological changes associated with preeclampsia begin to reverse, and the risk of severe complications, such as seizure (eclampsia), organ failure, and cardiovascular issues, significantly decreases. In cases where the condition is severe or poses a risk to the mother or fetus, delivery may need to be considered even if the pregnancy is not yet at full term. Other options, such as bed rest, medication adjustment, and intensive monitoring, can be part of the management strategy to mitigate symptoms and monitor the condition but do not provide a definitive solution. These approaches may delay delivery or manage acute symptoms but will not resolve the underlying issue of preeclampsia. Thus, while monitoring and medical management are critical components of care, they ultimately cannot replace the necessity of delivery in definitive treatment.