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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["200"]
Explanation
The correct answer is 200 mL/hr.
To calculate the IV rate, the nurse should use the following formula:
IV rate (mL/hr) = (Volume to be infused (mL) / Time of infusion (hr)) x Drop factor (gtt/mL)
In this case, the volume to be infused is 100 mL, the time of infusion is 0.5 hr (30 min), and the drop factor is 1 gtt/mL (assuming the IV pump is calibrated in mL/hr). Therefore, the formula becomes:
IV rate (mL/hr) = (100 mL / 0.5 hr) x 1 gtt/mL
IV rate (mL/hr) = 200 mL/hr
The nurse should round the answer to the nearest whole number, which is 200 mL/hr. The nurse should use a leading zero if the answer is less than 1, which is not the case here. The nurse should not use a trailing zero, which means 200 mL/hr and not 200.0 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I know I am at increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the long-term implications of gestational diabetes. The client should be aware that gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, and that she should have regular screening and follow-up.
Choice B reason: "I will take my glyburide daily with breakfast." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the medication regimen for gestational diabetes. The client should take glyburide, a sulfonylurea that lowers blood glucose levels, as prescribed by the provider, and monitor her blood glucose levels before and after meals.
Choice C reason: "I will reduce my exercise schedule to 3 days a week." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the importance of physical activity for gestational diabetes. The client should exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, unless contraindicated by the provider. Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose levels, and prevent excessive weight gain.
Choice D reason: "I should limit my carbohydrates to 50% of caloric intake." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the dietary guidelines for gestational diabetes. The client should consume a balanced diet that provides adequate but not excessive amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, and that is consistent in carbohydrate intake throughout the day.
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