A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome.
The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications? (Select all that apply.)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Acute kidney injury
Pulmonary edema
Placental abruption
Fetal growth restriction
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
The correct answer is choice A, C, D and E. Here is why:
• Choice A is correct because disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a blood clotting disorder that can develop as a complication of HELLP syndrome. DIC can result in excessive bleeding or blood clots in various organs.
• Choice B is wrong because acute kidney injury is not a common complication of HELLP syndrome. However, preeclampsia can cause kidney damage and proteinuria (high levels of protein in the urine).
• Choice C is correct because pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid accumulates in and around the lungs, impairing oxygen absorption. It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to high blood pressure and fluid overload.
• Choice D is correct because placental abruption is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery.
It can cause severe bleeding and fetal distress. It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to high blood pressure and abnormal blood clotting.
• Choice E is correct because fetal growth restriction is a condition where the fetus does not grow as expected. It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta.
Normal ranges for liver enzymes are:
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 8 to 48 U/L
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 45 to 115 U/L
Normal range for platelet count is:
• 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microlitre.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Epigastric pain and nausea.This is because epigastric pain and nausea are signs of severe preeclampsia that indicate liver involvement and possible hepatic rupture.
This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent maternal and fetal complications.
Choice A is wrong because contractions lasting 90 seconds and occurring every 2 minutes are normal during labor induction with oxytocin and do not indicate severe preeclampsia.
Choice B is wrong because fetal heart rate baseline of 140/min with moderate variability is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being and does not indicate severe preeclampsia.
Choice C is wrong because cervical dilation of 4 cm and effacement of 50% are normal findings during labor induction and do not indicate severe preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, C and E.The nurse should monitor for magnesium toxicity by assessing the deep tendon reflexes, respiratory rate, urine output and serum magnesium level of the client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV.Magnesium toxicity can cause life-threatening complications such as hypotension, areflexia (loss of DTRs), respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, oliguria, shortness of breath, chest pains, slurred speech and cardiac arrest.The nurse should also have calcium chloride ready as an antidote for magnesium toxicity.
Choice D is wrong because fetal heart rate is not a direct indicator of magnesium toxicity.However, the nurse should still monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine activity per the Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) Guideline.
Normal ranges for the assessments are:
• Deep tendon reflexes: 1+ to 4+ (normal to hyperactive)
• Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
• Urine output: at least 30 mL per hour
• Serum magnesium level: 4 to 7 mg/dL (therapeutic range for preeclampsia)
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