Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is diagnosed based on a combination of elevated blood pressure measurements and the presence of protein in the urine, as outlined by established clinical guidelines. The diagnostic criterion that specifies the requirement for blood pressure is crucial; a threshold of 140/90 mmHg measured on two separate occasions is used to confirm the condition.

This criterion is set to identify patients at risk for significant cardiovascular and renal complications, as well as adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Measurements taken at separate times ensure the reliability of the diagnosis, as transient elevations in blood pressure may occur due to factors unrelated to preeclampsia.

While blood pressure readings over 130/80 mmHg indicate elevated blood pressure, they do not meet the diagnostic threshold for preeclampsia. Proteinuria is indeed an important factor; however, the threshold for diagnostic proteinuria is higher than 150 mg in a 24-hour urine sample, which is insufficient by itself to confirm preeclampsia. The presence of fetal bradycardia is unrelated to the diagnosis of preeclampsia, making it an irrelevant option in this context.

Thus, the requirement of measuring blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mmHg on two occasions