Nursing Interventions and Management

• The main goals of nursing interventions and management for gestational hypertension are to prevent complications, lower blood pressure and deliver a healthy baby.
• Some nursing interventions and management strategies include:
  • Monitoring blood pressure, weight, urine output and proteinuria regularly
  • Administering antihypertensive medications as prescribed, such as labetalol, nifedipine or methyldopa
  • Administering magnesium sulfate as prescribed to prevent seizures in severe cases or preeclampsia
  • Monitoring fetal well-being with ultrasound, nonstress test or biophysical profile
  • Providing bed rest in a quiet and dark environment with left lateral position to improve blood flow to the placenta and reduce blood pressure
  • Encouraging fluid intake of at least 2 liters per day to prevent dehydration and maintain renal function
  • Restricting sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day to reduce fluid retention and edema
  • Providing emotional support and reassurance to the mother and her partner
  • Preparing for delivery when indicated by the provider, such as when blood pressure is uncontrollable, fetal distress occurs or term is reached