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The nurse is continuing to care for the client. 

Exhibits

The nurse is reviewing the assessment findings.

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Each finding may support more than one disease process.

A.

Platelet count

B.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

C.

Blood pressure

D.

Hemoglobin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}

Rationale:

  • Platelet count: A low platelet count (<100,000/mm³) is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome but can also appear in severe preeclampsia. Therefore, thrombocytopenia supports both diagnoses.
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): Elevated ALT indicates hepatic involvement due to hepatocellular injury, which is a defining feature of HELLP syndrome but not required for preeclampsia diagnosis.
  • Blood pressure: Severe hypertension (≥160/110 mm Hg), as seen in this client, is diagnostic of severe preeclampsia. It may also be present in HELLP syndrome due to overlapping pathophysiology.
  • Hemoglobin: Low hemoglobin can reflect hemolysis, which is part of the HELLP acronym (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets). Preeclampsia does not typically present with anemia unless HELLP develops.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Increased platelet count: Preeclampsia is often associated with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), not an increase. A falling platelet count can be a warning sign of worsening disease or progression to HELLP syndrome.

B. Increased protein in urine: Proteinuria is one of the hallmark signs of preeclampsia, resulting from glomerular damage in the kidneys. A 24-hour urine protein test or dipstick is commonly used to detect elevated protein levels during pregnancy.

C. Decreased BUN: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) may increase if renal perfusion is compromised, but a decrease is not typical in preeclampsia. Kidney involvement often leads to elevated BUN and creatinine levels.

D. Decreased serum uric acid: Preeclampsia usually causes elevated serum uric acid levels due to decreased renal clearance. A drop in uric acid would be inconsistent with this diagnosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Diabetes screening: Screening for diabetes is a form of secondary prevention, aimed at early identification and intervention to prevent disease progression in asymptomatic individuals.

B. Nutrition counseling: Nutrition counseling is a primary prevention strategy when used to promote health and prevent disease. It aims to reduce risk factors before illness occurs.

C. Family planning: Family planning falls under primary prevention as it involves proactive measures to prevent unintended pregnancies and support reproductive health.

D. Physical therapy: Physical therapy is a tertiary prevention measure focused on reducing the impact of an existing disease or injury. It helps restore function, prevent further disability, and improve quality of life in individuals with chronic or advanced conditions.

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