A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with gestational hypertension who has been diagnosed with HELLP syndrome.
Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL, platelets 150,000/mm3, AST 20 U/L, ALT 18 U/L
Hemoglobin 10 g/dL, platelets 100,000/mm3, AST 40 U/L, ALT 35 U/L
Hemoglobin 8 g/dL, platelets 50,000/mm3, AST 80 U/L, ALT 70 U/L
Hemoglobin 6 g/dL, platelets 25,000/mm3, AST 120 U/L, ALT 100 U/L
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Hemoglobin 6 g/dL, platelets 25,000/mm3, AST 120 U/L, ALT 100 U/L.
This is because HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication that causes hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver injury), and low platelet count (impairing blood clotting).
Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin 12 g/dL, platelets 150,000/mm3, AST 20 U/L, ALT 18 U/L are all within normal ranges and do not indicate HELLP syndrome.
Choice B is wrong because hemoglobin 10 g/dL, platelets 100,000/mm3, AST 40 U/L, ALT 35 U/L are mildly abnormal and may suggest mild preeclampsia but not HELLP syndrome.
Choice C is wrong because hemoglobin 8 g/dL, platelets 50,000/mm3, AST 80 U/L, ALT 70 U/L are moderately abnormal and may suggest moderate preeclampsia or incomplete HELLP syndrome but not full HELLP syndrome.
Normal ranges for these laboratory tests are:
• Hemoglobin: 11.5 to 16.5 g/dL for women.
• Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000/mm3 for adults.
• AST: 10 to 40 U/L for adults.
• ALT: 7 to 56 U/L for adults.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Monitor fetal heart rate continuously.This is because hydralazine is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure and may cause tachycardia.Tachycardia can affect the fetal heart rate and oxygenation, so continuous monitoring is essential to detect any signs of fetal distress.
Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not cause orthostatic hypotension, but rather a reflex increase in heart rate and cardiac output.
Orthostatic hypotension is more likely to occur with other antihypertensive drugs such as alpha-blockers or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging oral fluid intake may worsen the fluid retention and edema that are common in preeclampsia.Fluid intake should be restricted to avoid pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not a priority intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.Oxygen therapy may be indicated if the woman develops signs of hypoxia, such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or low oxygen saturation.However, oxygen therapy should be used with caution as it may increase oxidative stress and placental vasoconstriction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C) Elevated serum bilirubin levels.This is because bilirubin is a product of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells), which is one of the components of HELLP syndrome.Elevated serum bilirubin levels indicate that there is excessive hemolysis occurring in the body, which can lead to jaundice and liver damage.
Choice A) Elevated serum creatinine levels is wrong because creatinine is a marker of kidney function, not liver function or hemolysis.While kidney failure can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome, it is not a diagnostic criterion.
Choice B) Elevated serum uric acid levels is wrong because uric acid is also a marker of kidney function, not liver function or hemolysis.Uric acid levels can be elevated in preeclampsia, but not specifically in HELLP syndrome.
Choice D) Elevated serum glucose levels is wrong because glucose is not related to liver function or hemolysis.Glucose levels can be elevated in gestational diabetes, but not in HELLP syndrome.
Normal ranges for these tests are:
• Serum bilirubin: 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL
• Serum creatinine: 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL
• Serum uric acid: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL
• Serum glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dL
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