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 D
Explanation
A. "Soak in a bathtub of hot water." – Soaking in hot water is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can cause overheating and affect blood flow, potentially leading to complications such as fainting or preterm labor.
B. "Obtain a prescription for pramipexole." – Pramipexole is a medication primarily used for Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome, and it is not typically prescribed to address sleep disturbances during pregnancy.
C. "Use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS)." – TENS is not generally recommended for treating sleep disturbances during pregnancy. It is more commonly used for pain management.
D. "Lie on your left side with your top leg forward." – Lying on the left side with the top leg forward is a recommended sleeping position during pregnancy, as it can improve blood circulation to the fetus and reduce pressure on the vena cava, which can help improve sleep and comfort
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.
B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.
D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.
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