A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who received 2 units of packed RBCs.

Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect following the transfusion?

This is a sign of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can cause high blood pressure, proteinuria, and seizures.

Preeclampsia can affect the placenta, the kidneys, the liver, and the brain of the mother and the fetus. It requires immediate medical attention and may lead to early delivery.

Choice A, bleeding gums, is wrong because it is a common occurrence during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the gums. It is not a cause for concern unless it is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms.

Choice B, urinary frequency, is wrong because it is also a normal finding during pregnancy due to the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder. It is not a sign of infection or kidney problems unless it is associated with pain, burning, or blood in the urine.

Choice D, faintness upon rising, is wrong because it is usually caused by orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when changing positions.

This can happen during pregnancy due to the dilation of blood vessels and the increased blood volume. It can be prevented by rising slowly, drinking enough fluids, and avoiding prolonged standing.

The correct answer is choice A. The nurse should compare new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports. This is part of the medication reconciliation process, which is done to avoid medication errors such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions. It should be done at every transition of care in which new medications are ordered or existing orders are rewritten.

Choice B is wrong because the nurse should not encourage the client to make his own list after he returns to his home. The nurse should provide the client with an updated and accurate list of medications before discharge and instruct the client to keep it with him at all times.

Choice C is wrong because the nurse should not include any adverse effects of the medications the client might develop. The nurse should include any known allergies or adverse reactions the client has experienced in the past, but not potential adverse effects that have not occurred.

Choice D is wrong because the nurse should not exclude nutritional supplements from the list of medications the client reports. The nurse should include all prescription medications, herbals, vitamins, nutritional supplements, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, diagnostic and contrast agents, radioactive medications, parenteral nutrition, blood derivatives, and intravenous solutions in the medication reconciliation process.

Some of these products may interact with prescribed medications or affect laboratory results.