EFFECT OF BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT IN DIFFERENT POSITIONS ON BLOOD PRESSURE VALUES AND ANXIETY LEVELS IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH PREECLAMPSIA

Aim: This study examined the effects of blood pressure measurement in different positions on diastolic and systolic blood pressure values and anxiety levels in pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Method: The study was conducted between March and June 2024 as a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study with 96 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia in the perinatology department of a training and research hospital. Participants were divided into three groups and their blood pressures were measured in the left lateral, right lateral and semi-Fowler positions. Data were collected using an introductory information form and the State Anxiety Scale.

Inclusion criteria

• Being primigravida (first pregnancy),

• Being in the third trimester of pregnancy,
• Being between the ages of 18-45,
• Being diagnosed with preeclampsia,
• Having an arm circumference of less than 36 cm,
• Having a history of hospitalization of at least 24 hours (in order to minimize anxiety, uncertainty, lack of information and disorientation related to hospitalization).

Exclusion criteria

• • Presence of a physical disability that would make it difficult to perform the positions included in the study (e.g. loss of extremity),

• Presence of decompensated disease (e.g. eclampsia, pulmonary edema),
• Presence of a history of cardiological disease,
• Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea,
• Presence of additional risk factors other than preeclampsia (e.g. threat of premature birth, placental anomalies).