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 C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Nervousness is a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, which is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and relaxes the uterine smooth muscle. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can provide reassurance and comfort to the client.

Choice B reason: Tremors are also a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, as it causes increased muscle activity and shakiness. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can monitor the client's vital signs and electrolyte levels, and advise the client to avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

Choice C reason: Dyspnea is an uncommon and serious side effect of terbutaline, as it can indicate pulmonary edema, which is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare for interventions, such as oxygen therapy, diuretics, or discontinuation of terbutaline.

Choice D reason: Headaches are also a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, as it causes vasodilation and increased blood flow to the brain. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can administer analgesics as prescribed, and encourage the client to rest and hydrate.

A. Molar pregnancy B. Previous history of hyperemesis gravidarum C. Oligohydramnios D. Multiple fetal gestation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Molar pregnancy is a risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum, as it is a gestational trophoblastic disease that causes an abnormal growth of the placenta and the production of high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone that stimulates nausea and vomiting. Molar pregnancy can cause severe and persistent hyperemesis gravidarum, as well as vaginal bleeding, uterine enlargement, and preeclampsia.

Choice B reason: Previous history of hyperemesis gravidarum is a risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum, as it suggests a genetic or physiological predisposition to the condition. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting that occurs in pregnancy, and it can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and malnutrition. Hyperemesis gravidarum can recur in subsequent pregnancies, especially if the mother has the same partner, the same sex of the fetus, or a short interval between pregnancies.

Choice C reason: Oligohydramnios is not a risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum, as it is a low level of amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus. Oligohydramnios is not related to hyperemesis gravidarum, and it is not a cause or a consequence of it. Oligohydramnios can affect the fetal development and the delivery, as it can cause fetal growth restriction, cord compression, or meconium aspiration.

Choice D reason: Multiple fetal gestation is a risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum, as it is a condition where the mother is carrying more than one fetus. Multiple fetal gestation can cause higher levels of hCG, estrogen, and progesterone, which are hormones that stimulate nausea and vomiting. Multiple fetal gestation can cause more severe and prolonged hyperemesis gravidarum, as well as preterm labor, anemia, and preeclampsia.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is in premature labor and is receiving terbutaline. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects that should be reported to the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a newborn and observes signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has severe gestational hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to implement? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has a suspected ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to identify as consistent with the diagnosis?

A woman with preeclampsia has a seizure. What is the nurse's highest priority during a seizure?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a postpartum complication?

A nurse is caring for a client who gave birth 2 hr ago. The nurse notes that the client's blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is admitting a client who has severe preeclampsia at 35 weeks of gestation and is reviewing the provider's orders. Which of the following orders requires clarification?

A client comes to the emergency room reporting severe abdominal cramping and heavy bleeding at 10 weeks gestation. Cervical examination reveals heavy bleeding, the cervical os is open and tissue is present. Which type of abortion is the client experiencing?