A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is indicated with HELLP syndrome?
Bilirubin 1 mg/dL (0.1 to 1 mg/dL)
Uric acid 6.8 mg/dL (2 to 6.6 mg/dL)
Fibrinogen 500 mg/dL (200 to 400 mg/dL)
Aspartate aminotransferase 80 units/L (4 to 20 units/L)
The Correct Answer is D
A. Bilirubin 1 mg/dL (0.1 to 1 mg/dL):
Bilirubin levels can be elevated in conditions involving liver dysfunction or hemolysis, such as HELLP syndrome. However, a bilirubin level of 1 mg/dL falls within the normal range (0.1 to 1 mg/dL). While bilirubin levels may be elevated in some cases of HELLP syndrome, this particular value is not indicative of HELLP syndrome.
B. Uric acid 6.8 mg/dL (2 to 6.6 mg/dL):
Elevated uric acid levels are commonly seen in preeclampsia, but they are not specific to HELLP syndrome. Uric acid levels can rise due to decreased renal function and increased cell breakdown. However, while a level of 6.8 mg/dL is slightly elevated compared to the normal range (2 to 6.6 mg/dL), it alone does not confirm the presence of HELLP syndrome.
C. Fibrinogen 500 mg/dL (200 to 400 mg/dL):
Fibrinogen levels are typically increased in pregnancy, but they can be decreased in conditions associated with consumption coagulopathy, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). However, elevated fibrinogen levels are not typically associated with HELLP syndrome. A level of 500 mg/dL is above the normal range (200 to 400 mg/dL), but this finding alone does not indicate HELLP syndrome.
D. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 80 units/L (4 to 20 units/L):
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is a liver enzyme that can be elevated in liver injury or dysfunction, which can occur in HELLP syndrome. An AST level of 80 units/L is significantly elevated compared to the normal range (4 to 20 units/L), suggesting liver dysfunction. Elevated liver enzymes are a characteristic feature of HELLP syndrome, making this finding the most indicative of HELLP syndrome among the options provided.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Turn the newborn every 4 hr:
Turning the newborn every 4 hours is a routine nursing intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in infants. However, it is not specifically related to phototherapy treatment. Turning the newborn should be done as per routine care, but it is not a direct action related to phototherapy.
B. Close the newborn's eyes before applying eyepatches:
It is important to protect the newborn's eyes from the bright light used in phototherapy. Therefore, closing the newborn's eyes before applying eyepatches or covering them with eye protection is necessary during phototherapy to prevent eye damage.
C. Provide the newborn with 15 mL glucose water after each feeding:
Providing glucose water after each feeding is not a standard practice for newborns undergoing phototherapy. Instead, the primary focus during phototherapy is on feeding the baby adequately to promote hydration and excretion of bilirubin through stool and urine. Glucose water is not routinely recommended unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider for a medical indication.
D. Apply hydrating lotion to the newborn's skin prior to treatment:
Hydrating lotion should not be applied to the newborn's skin prior to phototherapy. Lotions, oils, or creams can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy by creating a barrier that blocks the light from reaching the baby's skin. Therefore, it is essential to keep the baby's skin clean and free from lotions or ointments during phototherapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a.This may help with incision pain or swelling but does not address the ongoing vaginal bleeding.
b.Administering a bolus of lactated Ringer's solution helps to restore fluid volume and maintain blood pressure, which is crucial in managing persistent vaginal bleeding. This action addresses the immediate concern of fluid loss and helps stabilize the patient while further assessments and interventions can be made.
c.While important for monitoring the incision, it does not address the immediate issue of ongoing vaginal bleeding.
d.Important to monitor, but not the first priority in the context of ongoing bleeding. This can be assessed after addressing the bleeding issue.
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