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

Which finding would be considered abnormal regarding hCG levels?

The correct answer is choice A. Jitteriness.Jitteriness or tremors are the most common signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.

Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low.

Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body.In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons, such as poor nutrition for the mother during pregnancy, making too much insulin because the mother has diabetes, or not enough oxygen at birth.

Choice B. Tachycardia is wrong because it is not a typical sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.

Tachycardia is a fast heart rate that can be caused by other conditions, such as fever, infection, or dehydration.

Choice C. Hyperthermia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.

Hyperthermia is a high body temperature that can be caused by overheating, infection, or inflammation.Hypoglycemia can cause low body temperature (hypothermia), not high body temperature.

Choice D. Hypertonia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.

Hypertonia is increased muscle tone or stiffness that can be caused by brain damage, nerve damage, or genetic disorders.Hypoglycemia can cause weak or floppy muscles (poor muscle tone), not increased muscle tone.

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.