Which finding is a common indicator that a patient may be developing preeclampsia?

A common indicator that a patient may be developing preeclampsia is the presence of an unrelenting headache. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. Severe headaches in this context may indicate increased intracranial pressure or vascular changes resulting from the elevated blood pressure associated with preeclampsia.

Patients with preeclampsia may not have stable vital signs, as fluctuating blood pressure is a hallmark of the condition. Normal urine output is also not indicative of preeclampsia, as changes in renal function, including decreased urine output, can occur due to compromised kidney function. Moreover, the absence of abdominal pain does not rule out preeclampsia; pain can be present or absent in differing cases and does not serve as a reliable indicator of the condition.

Thus, the unrelenting headache is a significant and concerning symptom that can prompt further investigation for preeclampsia, making it the correct indicator in this scenario.