What is a common indication of preeclampsia in a pregnant client?

A common indication of preeclampsia in a pregnant client is proteinuria. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems, often including the kidneys. One of the key markers for diagnosing preeclampsia is the presence of protein in the urine, which indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly due to the elevated blood pressure. This proteinuria arises because the pregnancy alters kidney function and structure, making them more permeable and allowing protein to leak into the urine.

The other mentioned symptoms—such as increased appetite, frequent urination, and weight loss—do not serve as primary indicators of preeclampsia. Increased appetite may occur during pregnancy but is not related to the condition. Frequent urination can occur normally in pregnancy and does not specifically indicate preeclampsia. Weight loss is also not a symptom of this condition; in fact, women with preeclampsia tend to experience increased weight gain due to fluid retention associated with high blood pressure and the associated changes in the body's physiology. Thus, recognizing proteinuria is crucial for identifying and managing preeclampsia effectively.