E) Labetalol

This patient is presenting with preeclampsia without severe features. Management is dependent on the hemodynamic stability of the mother and the fetus, the age of gestation, and the presenting symptoms. Because the mother is stable, and the gestational age is < 37 weeks, conservative treatment is appropriate. Antihypertensives like labetalol, hydralazine, or methyldopa are the mainstays for lowering blood pressure. Magnesium sulfate for prophylaxis of seizures and dexamethasone for fetal lung maturity should also be administered.

Answer choice A: Admission to the intensive care unit, is incorrect. Admission to the ICU is not warranted as the patient is stable and is not presenting with severe features (e.g., elevated creatinine, hepatic dysfunction, new-onset headache or visual disturbances, platelet count < 100,000, pulmonary edema).

Answer choice B: Cesarean delivery, is incorrect. Cesarean delivery is not appropriate as urgent delivery is not necessary and will only cause harm to the fetus as it is preterm.

Answer choice C: Hydrochlorthiazide, is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to manage hypertension but is advised as second-line in pregnant patients.

Answer choice D: Induction of labor, is incorrect. Induction of labor is not appropriate as urgent delivery is not necessary and will only cause harm to the fetus as it is preterm.

Key Learning Point

Patients with preeclampsia without severe features are managed based on stability of the mother and the stability and age of gestation of the fetus. Conservative management focuses on lowering blood pressure with labetalol, hydralazine, or methyldopa.