A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pregnant client.

Which finding would be considered abnormal regarding hCG levels?

Choice A reason:

Chloride is not a major electrolyte that is affected by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Chloride levels may be low, normal or high depending on the acid-base status and hydration of the client. Therefore, chloride is not a priority electrolyte to monitor for signs of imbalance.

Choice B reason:

Phosphate is also not a major electrolyte that is affected by DKA. Phosphate levels may be low due to insulin therapy or high due to renal impairment, but these are not directly related to DKA. Therefore, phosphate is not a priority electrolyte to monitor for signs of imbalance.

Choice C reason:

Bicarbonate is a major electrolyte that is affected by DKA. Bicarbonate levels are low in DKA due to metabolic acidosis caused by the accumulation of ketones in the blood. Low bicarbonate levels can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion and coma. Therefore, bicarbonate is a priority electrolyte to monitor for signs of imbalance.

Choice D reason:

Sulfate is not a major electrolyte that is affected by DKA. Sulfate levels are not routinely measured in clinical practice and have no significant role in DKA. Therefore, sulfate is not a priority electrolyte to monitor for signs of imbalance.

Choice E reason:

Potassium is a major electrolyte that is affected by DKA. Potassium levels can be high or low in DKA depending on several factors such as insulin therapy, fluid replacement, renal function and acid-base status. High or low potassium levels can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, paralysis and respiratory failure. Therefore, potassium is a priority electrolyte to monitor for signs of imbalance.

Decreased hCG levels are abnormal regarding hCG levels in pregnancy.hCG is a hormone that plays an important role in pregnancy, and levels can vary widely at this time and between individuals.However, during early pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every two to three days.Low or declining hCG levels can signal a problem with the pregnancy, such as an impending miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Choice B is wrong because unchanged hCG levels are also abnormal regarding hCG levels in pregnancy.

As mentioned above, hCG levels should increase rapidly during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Choice C is wrong because increased hCG levels are normal regarding hCG levels in pregnancy.Levels of hCG can vary widely from one pregnant woman to another, but they generally peak at around 8 to 14 weeks after conception.

Choice D is wrong because increased prolactin levels are not related to hCG levels in pregnancy.

Prolactin is another hormone that stimulates milk production in the breasts.

Prolactin levels rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but they do not affect hCG levels.