The nurse is reviewing the findings.
For each finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Each finding may support more than one disease process.
Blood pressure
Platelet count
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Hemoglobin
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A"}}
- Blood pressure: The client's significantly elevated blood pressure (162/112 mm Hg and 166/110 mm Hg) is characteristic of preeclampsia, which is defined by new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. Hypertension is a major diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia but is not required for diagnosing HELLP syndrome.
- Platelet count: The platelet count of 98,000/mm³ is lower than normal, supporting both preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. In preeclampsia, thrombocytopenia can occur as the disease progresses, and in HELLP syndrome, low platelets are one of the triad components (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count).
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An ALT level of 40 Units/L is above the normal limit, indicating liver involvement. Elevated liver enzymes occur in both severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, reflecting hepatic dysfunction or injury caused by systemic endothelial damage.
- Hemoglobin: A hemoglobin of 18.0 g/dL is unusually high and suggests hemoconcentration, which is typical of preeclampsia due to fluid shifts out of the vascular space. In contrast, HELLP syndrome typically causes hemolysis leading to anemia, where hemoglobin would be expected to be low rather than elevated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "If I decide to get implants in my arm, I will get them replaced every 10 years.": Contraceptive implants, such as etonogestrel (Nexplanon), typically last about 3 to 5 years, not 10 years. Misunderstanding the replacement timeline could leave a client unprotected against pregnancy if not corrected.
B. "If I decide to get pregnant again, tubal reconstruction is a reliable option.": Tubal ligation is considered a permanent form of contraception. Although tubal reversal surgery exists, it is not always successful and is not a reliable or guaranteed method for restoring fertility.
C. "I get the birth control injection, I will need an injection 4 times a year.": The birth control injection, such as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera), is administered every 3 months, which totals about 4 injections per year. This statement shows a correct understanding of the injection schedule.
D. "If I get an IUD placed, I will not have menstrual bleeding.": Some types of IUDs, particularly hormonal IUDs, may reduce menstrual bleeding significantly, but complete absence of bleeding does not occur in all clients. Copper IUDs, in contrast, may actually increase menstrual bleeding and cramping.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
- Seizures: The client’s symptoms of severe hypertension, persistent headache, hyperreflexia, proteinuria, and low platelet count strongly indicate severe preeclampsia, a condition that can rapidly progress to eclampsia, where seizures occur. This is a critical obstetric emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity.
- Hypoglycemia: The client’s blood glucose level is 85 mg/dL, which is within the normal range. There are no signs such as diaphoresis, confusion, or weakness that would suggest hypoglycemia, and this condition is unrelated to the client's primary diagnosis of severe preeclampsia.
- Cervical insufficiency: Cervical insufficiency typically causes painless cervical dilation and is associated with second-trimester pregnancy losses. The client is at 31 weeks with no reported cervical changes, contractions, or painless dilation, making this complication unlikely in the current clinical scenario.
- Placental abruption: Severe hypertension increases the risk of placental abruption due to damage to the placental blood vessels. Signs of decreased fetal movement and the high-risk profile of preeclampsia support the concern that abruption could occur, leading to serious maternal and fetal compromise.
- Heart failure: Although the client has some edema, there are no other clinical signs such as dyspnea, crackles, or orthopnea that would suggest heart failure. The edema seen here is consistent with preeclampsia rather than decompensated cardiac function.
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