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 D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D) Level of consciousness and reflexes.This is because magnesium sulfate can cause toxicity and affect the central nervous system, leading to decreased level of consciousness and loss of reflexes.These are signs that the dose of magnesium sulfate should be reduced or stopped.
The nurse should prioritize assessing these parameters to prevent seizures and avoid magnesium toxicity.
Choice A) Respiratory rate and depth is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause respiratory depression, but this is a less common and less sensitive indicator of toxicity than level of consciousness and reflexes.
Choice B) Urine output and color is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause renal impairment, but this is not directly related to preventing seizures.However, urine output should be monitored to ensure adequate hydration and renal function.
Choice C) Blood pressure and heart rate is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause hypotension and bradycardia, but these are not the primary goals of therapy.Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored to assess the severity of preeclampsia and the response to antihypertensive medications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Cerebral hemorrhage.Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia that causes seizures and can lead to stroke or death.Cerebral hemorrhage is bleeding in the brain that can result from high blood pressure and swelling in the brain caused by eclampsia.It is one of the most common causes of death in women with eclampsia.
Choice B. Pulmonary edema is wrong because it is not the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.
Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the lungs that can impair breathing and oxygen exchange.It can occur as a complication of eclampsia, but it is less frequent than cerebral hemorrhage.
Choice C. Liver rupture is wrong because it is not the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.
Liver rupture is a rare but serious complication of eclampsia that involves bleeding from the liver due to increased pressure and damage to the liver tissue.It can cause severe abdominal pain, shock and death.
Choice D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is wrong because it is not the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.
DIC is a condition where the blood clotting system becomes overactive and forms clots throughout the body, leading to bleeding and organ failure.It can occur as a complication of eclampsia, but it is less common than cerebral hemorrhage.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 140/90 mmHg and for proteinuria are below 300 mg/24 hours or below 30 mg/dL in a urine sample.
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