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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. The client’s urine output is at least 30 mL/hr.This indicates that the therapy is effective because magnesium sulfate can cause renal impairment and fluid retention, which can worsen the condition of preeclampsia.

A normal urine output is a sign that the kidneys are functioning well and that the fluid balance is maintained.

Choice A is wrong because the client’s blood pressure may not normalize even with magnesium sulfate therapy.

Magnesium sulfate is mainly used to prevent seizures, not to lower blood pressure.Other antihypertensive medications may be needed to control blood pressure in severe preeclampsia.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s deep tendon reflexes are expected to decrease with magnesium sulfate therapy, as it is a central nervous system depressant.

A normal reflex response is 2+, but a lower response (1+ or 0) may indicate magnesium toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma.

Choice D is wrong because the client’s respiratory rate should be monitored closely with magnesium sulfate therapy, as it can also cause respiratory depression.

A normal respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but a lower rate (less than 12) may indicate magnesium toxicity, which requires immediate treatment with calcium gluconate.

A. Administer the medication over 30 min using an infusion pump B. Place the client in a supine position with a wedge under the right hip C. Monitor the client’s blood pressure every 15 min during the infusion D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.However, it can also cause toxicity and respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity and should be readily available at the bedside.

Choice A is wrong because the medication should be administered over 20-30 minutes using an infusion pump.

A shorter infusion time may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Choice B is wrong because the client should be placed in a lateral position to improve uteroplacental perfusion and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s blood pressure should be monitored every 5 minutes during the infusion, not every 15 minutes.

Blood pressure is an indicator of the severity of preeclampsia and the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client with severe preeclampsia who is in labor. Which of the following findings would indicate that the therapy is effective?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer an IV loading dose of magnesium sulfate to a client who has preeclampsia with severe features. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

(Select all that apply). A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with gestational hypertension who delivered a healthy baby two days ago. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving hydralazine IV bolus for blood pressure management. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is administering nifedipine to a client with gestational hypertension as prescribed by the provider. Which of the following actions would the nurse take to ensure safe administration of this medication?

What is the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.

Which of the following factors increases a woman’s risk for developing gestational hypertension.

A client is diagnosed with preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for seizure prophylaxis. The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values?

Which of the following signs and symptoms may indicate worsening condition or preeclampsia in a client with gestational hypertension?

Which of the following is a sign or symptom of gestational hypertension?

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?