A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has HELLP syndrome. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
BUN 20 mg/dL
Platelet count 77,000/mm3
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
WBC count 18,000/mm3
The Correct Answer is B
A. BUN 20 mg/dL: This is not specific to HELLP syndrome. A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate the presence of HELLP syndrome, which is associated with liver dysfunction and low platelet count.
B. Platelet count 77,000/mm3: This is correct. HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets) is characterized by a low platelet count, often less than 100,000/mm3, which is a critical indicator of this condition.
C. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL: This is a normal hemoglobin level and is not typically associated with HELLP syndrome, where hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) can cause anemia, which would lower hemoglobin levels.
D. WBC count 18,000/mm3: While an elevated WBC count can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not specifically associated with HELLP syndrome. The hallmark features of HELLP syndrome are low platelets and liver enzyme elevation, not elevated WBC.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory rate 16/min is a normal finding. A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the expected range for adults, so it does not indicate a problem that requires immediate attention.
B. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for blood pressure. This is an acceptable finding and does not require reporting to the charge nurse.
C. 400 mL of drainage in the collection chamber within 4 hr should be reported to the charge nurse. This is an excessive amount of drainage for a client with a chest tube. After the first few hours post-surgery, the drainage should decrease. Large amounts of drainage may indicate bleeding, and it is important to notify the charge nurse immediately to assess the situation further.
D. Fluctuation in the water seal chamber with respiration is a normal finding. It is expected for the water seal chamber to fluctuate with the client’s respirations, indicating that the chest tube is functioning properly and the system is not obstructed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Tonic-clonic seizures: This is not typically expected following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT can induce a brief seizure during the procedure, but the nurse would not expect tonic-clonic seizures afterward as a direct result.
B. Paresthesias: Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) are not commonly associated with ECT. The procedure primarily affects the brain, and while some neurological symptoms may occur temporarily, paresthesias are not expected findings.
C. Disorientation: This is correct. It is common for clients to experience disorientation and confusion immediately following ECT, as it can affect memory and cognition temporarily. This typically resolves within a short period of time (minutes to hours) following the procedure.
D. Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is not a direct or common effect of ECT. While anesthesia used during the procedure may cause some temporary respiratory changes, sleep apnea would not be expected as a typical post-procedure finding.
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