Which pregnancy-related finding should prompt precaution or referral before manual therapy?

Which pregnancy-related finding should prompt precaution or referral before manual therapy?

• A. Signs of preeclampsia (headache, RUQ pain, visual changes)
• B. Severe abdominal pain
• C. Vaginal bleeding
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (A)

Red flags in pregnancy signaling potential preeclampsia require medical evaluation before manual therapy. Headache, upper right quadrant pain, and visual changes after mid-pregnancy suggest hypertensive end-organ involvement and potential progression to severe complications (e.g., stroke, liver tension/rupture, placental issues). Because manual therapy could elevate blood pressure or disturb an already fragile physiological state, this constellation warrants precaution and urgent referral to obstetric care or emergency services before any treatment is continued. Other red flags like severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or dizziness are important and also require evaluation, but the specific cluster of neurologic symptoms with RUQ pain points most directly to preeclampsia, making referral the safest course before proceeding with therapy.

Red flags in pregnancy signaling potential preeclampsia require medical evaluation before manual therapy. Headache, upper right quadrant pain, and visual changes after mid-pregnancy suggest hypertensive end-organ involvement and potential progression to severe complications (e.g., stroke, liver tension/rupture, placental issues). Because manual therapy could elevate blood pressure or disturb an already fragile physiological state, this constellation warrants precaution and urgent referral to obstetric care or emergency services before any treatment is continued.

Other red flags like severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or dizziness are important and also require evaluation, but the specific cluster of neurologic symptoms with RUQ pain points most directly to preeclampsia, making referral the safest course before proceeding with therapy.