Which are signs included in the assessment for preeclampsia?

In the context of assessing for preeclampsia, edema and generalized swelling are significant clinical signs. Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and often involves the presence of protein in the urine. One of the hallmark signs is the development of edema, especially in the face, hands, and feet, which can lead to general swelling. This swelling is due to increased capillary permeability and fluid retention that may occur as a result of the compromised vascular functioning associated with preeclampsia.

Other options, while they may present in various contexts, do not specifically indicate preeclampsia as directly as edema and swelling do. Increased fetal movement can sometimes indicate a healthy fetus but isn’t a direct sign of preeclampsia. Shortness of breath may be related to other conditions or complications but is not a primary sign of preeclampsia itself. Aching joints could be attributed to normal changes in pregnancy or other unrelated issues, and therefore, do not specifically correspond to the criteria or assessment for preeclampsia. Thus, edema and generalized swelling are critical indicators in evaluating a patient for this condition.