What assessment finding would suggest to a healthcare provider that a postpartum patient may be developing preeclampsia?

Swelling of the face and visual changes are significant assessment findings suggesting the development of preeclampsia in a postpartum patient. Preeclampsia is characterized by new hypertension and potential organ dysfunction that can occur up to six weeks postpartum. Facial swelling can indicate fluid retention and increased blood pressure, while visual changes, such as blurred vision or visual disturbances, may be indicative of heightened central nervous system involvement or vasospasm, both commonly associated with preeclampsia.

Stable vital signs and normal urinalysis do not indicate a problem and may suggest that the patient is stable. Complete recovery from hypertension after childbirth would imply a resolution of hypertensive issues rather than the emergence of new complications like preeclampsia. A mild headache with stable blood pressure may require monitoring but does not exhibit the severity or specific symptoms associated with preeclampsia. Thus, the combination of facial swelling with visual changes strongly points toward the onset of this condition postpartum.