The labor of a pregnant woman with preeclampsia is going to be induced. Before initiating the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion, the nurse reviews the woman's latest laboratory test findings, which reveal a platelet count of 90,000 mm3, an elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, and a falling hematocrit. The laboratory results are indicative of which condition?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome

Eclampsia

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome

Idiopathic thrombocytopenia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome is not the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. DIC would cause a low platelet count, but also a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.

Choice B reason: Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a seizure disorder that occurs in clients with severe preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. Eclampsia would cause a high blood pressure, but also a proteinuria, edema, and hyperreflexia.

Choice C reason: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome is the correct answer, as it is a variant of severe preeclampsia that affects the blood and the liver. HELLP syndrome is indicated by the laboratory results, as it causes a low platelet count, an elevated AST level, and a falling hematocrit. HELLP syndrome would also cause a high blood pressure, a proteinuria, and a right upper quadrant pain.

Choice D reason: Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is not the correct answer, as it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the destruction of platelets by antibodies. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can affect pregnant women, but it is not related to severe preeclampsia or the laboratory results. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia would cause a low platelet count, but not an elevated AST level or a falling hematocrit.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as these are the common complications of post-term infants, who are born after 42 weeks of gestation. Meconium aspiration can occur when the fetus passes meconium in utero and inhales it into the lungs, causing respiratory distress, inflammation, and infection. Hypoglycemia can occur due to the depletion of glycogen stores and the increased metabolic demands. Dry, cracked skin can occur due to the loss of vernix caseosa and the reduced amniotic fluid.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the signs of neonatal hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Neonatal hypocalcemia can occur due to maternal diabetes, prematurity, or asphyxia, and can cause jitteriness, seizures, or tetany.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the characteristics of preterm infants, who are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Excessive vernix caseosa covering the skin is a protective coating that prevents heat and water loss. Lethargy and RDS are signs of immaturity and underdevelopment of the central nervous system and the lungs.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the features of infants with erythroblastosis fetalis, which is a hemolytic disease caused by the incompatibility of the Rh factor or the ABO blood group between the mother and the fetus. Golden yellow to green-stained skin and nails are due to the accumulation of bilirubin, which is a breakdown product of red blood cells. Absence of scalp hair and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat are due to the chronic hypoxia and edema.

A. Erythroblastosis fetalis B. Hypobilirubinemia C. Biliary atresia D. Transient clotting difficulties

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Erythroblastosis fetalis is the correct answer, as it is a hemolytic disease of the newborn that occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the newborn is Rh-positive, and the maternal antibodies cross the placenta and destroy the newborn's red blood cells, causing anemia, jaundice, and edema. Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin is an injection that prevents the formation of Rh-positive antibodies in the mother, and reduces the risk of erythroblastosis fetalis in the current or subsequent pregnancies.

Choice B reason: Hypobilirubinemia is not the correct answer, as it is a low level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause pale skin, poor feeding, or lethargy. Hypobilirubinemia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a common or serious complication in the newborn.

Choice C reason: Biliary atresia is not the correct answer, as it is a congenital defect of the bile ducts that prevents the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine, causing jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Biliary atresia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a preventable complication in the newborn.

Choice D reason: Transient clotting difficulties is not the correct answer, as it is a bleeding disorder that occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin K, which is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors. Transient clotting difficulties is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is preventable by administering vitamin K to the newborn.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer an injection of Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin. The nurse should understand that the purpose of this injection is to prevent which of the following newborn complications?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate IV to a client who is experiencing preterm labor. Which of the following is the priority nursing assessment for this client?

A nurse is admitting a term newborn following a cesarean birth. The nurse observes that the newborn's skin is slightly yellow right after birth. This finding indicates the newborn is experiencing a complication related to which of the following?

A nurse in a clinic is assessing a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation and has been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following is not a risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum?

Which assessments are included in the fetal biophysical profile (BPP)? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. When monitoring the uterine contractions, which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse on the obstetric unit is caring for a client who experienced abruptio placentae. The nurse observes petechiae and bleeding around the IV access site. The nurse should recognize that this client is at risk for which of the following complications?

A nurse is assessing a client who is pregnant for preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client requires further evaluation for this disorder?

A nurse is caring for a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The newborn has respiratory distress syndrome. The nurse should be aware that the most likely cause of the respiratory distress is which of the following?