A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome.
The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications? (Select all that apply.)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Acute kidney injury
Pulmonary edema
Placental abruption
Fetal growth restriction
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
The correct answer is choice A, C, D and E. Here is why:
• Choice A is correct because disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a blood clotting disorder that can develop as a complication of HELLP syndrome. DIC can result in excessive bleeding or blood clots in various organs.
• Choice B is wrong because acute kidney injury is not a common complication of HELLP syndrome. However, preeclampsia can cause kidney damage and proteinuria (high levels of protein in the urine).
• Choice C is correct because pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid accumulates in and around the lungs, impairing oxygen absorption. It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to high blood pressure and fluid overload.
• Choice D is correct because placental abruption is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery.
It can cause severe bleeding and fetal distress. It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to high blood pressure and abnormal blood clotting.
• Choice E is correct because fetal growth restriction is a condition where the fetus does not grow as expected. It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta.
Normal ranges for liver enzymes are:
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 8 to 48 U/L
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 45 to 115 U/L
Normal range for platelet count is:
• 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microlitre.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
“I should take a baby aspirin every day as prescribed.” Taking a baby aspirin daily has been shown to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia by about 15%.If you have risk factors for preeclampsia, your healthcare provider may recommend starting aspirin in early pregnancy (by 12 weeks gestation).
Choice A is wrong because avoiding foods that are high in sodium does not prevent preeclampsia.Sodium intake does not affect blood pressure in pregnancy.
Choice B is wrong because lying on your left side for at least 2 hours a day does not prevent preeclampsia.However, lying on your left side may help improve blood flow to your placenta and your baby.
Choice C is wrong because checking your blood pressure at home every day does not prevent preeclampsia.However, monitoring your blood pressure at home may help detect signs of preeclampsia early and alert you to seek medical attention if needed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The client has no seizures or eclampsia.This outcome would indicate that the magnesium sulfate therapy is successful because magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia.
Some additional information for the other choices are:
• Choice B. The client delivers a healthy baby vaginally.
This outcome is desirable but not directly related to the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.Magnesium sulfate can help prolong a pregnancy for up to two days to allow drugs that speed up the baby’s lung development to be administered, but it does not guarantee a vaginal delivery or a healthy baby.
• Choice C. The client has normal blood pressure and urine output.
This outcome is also desirable but not directly related to the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.
Magnesium sulfate may help reduce blood pressure in some cases, but it is not the primary treatment for hypertension in preeclampsia.Other medications such as antihypertensives are usually prescribed for that purpose.Urine output should be monitored closely while receiving magnesium sulfate therapy, as a decrease may indicate toxicity or kidney impairment.Urine output should be at least 30 mL/hour while administering magnesium sulfate.
• Choice D. The client has improved liver function and platelet count.
This outcome is also desirable but not directly related to the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.
Magnesium sulfate does not affect liver function or platelet count in preeclampsia.These parameters may improve after delivery of the placenta, which is the main cause of preeclampsia.
Normal ranges for blood pressure, urine output, liver function and platelet count are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg
• Urine output: at least 30 mL/hour
• Liver function: AST and ALT less than 40 U/L, LDH less than 600 U/L, bilirubin less than 1.2 mg/dL
• Platelet count: 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood
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