Interprofessional Participation in a Statewide Collaborative to Recognize and Treat Hypertension in Pregnancy

Understanding the potential for maternal morbidity and mortality has increased the recognition of care providers and enhanced the treatment of acute hypertension. Methodology and implementation strategies were effective in achieving the standardized identification and treatment of pregnant/postpartum women presenting with hypertension. Unanticipated challenges included providing training in the basic fundamentals of blood pressure measurement and obtaining institutional approval for intravenous hydralazine to become standard practice for postpartum nurses. Next steps in nursing practice include evaluation of hypertensive patient within one week of hospital discharge and implementation in the emergency department.