For a patient with chronic hypertension and superimposed preeclampsia who requests early discharge, what is your best response?

The appropriate response in this scenario is centered on ensuring the safety of both the patient and the fetus. Early discharge from the hospital for a patient with chronic hypertension and superimposed preeclampsia is contingent upon the patient's blood pressure being stable and within safe limits. Specifically, a blood pressure consistently below 140/90 mm Hg indicates better control of hypertension and a lower risk of complications associated with preeclampsia, such as cerebral or renal complications.

In this context, discharging a patient who does not meet the threshold for stable blood pressure could place them at significant risk for severe hypertension, which may lead to life-threatening complications. Monitoring the blood pressure consistently below this threshold is a key criterion that must be met prior to considering early discharge.

While it is important for the patient to feel well and may also be a factor in discharge decisions, clinical guidelines prioritize stable blood pressure as a critical marker for a safe discharge.