A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client who is at risk for developing HELLP syndrome.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?
HELLP syndrome can occur before or after delivery
HELLP syndrome is caused by a bacterial infection
HELLP syndrome can be prevented by taking folic acid supplements
HELLP syndrome is treated with corticosteroids and antihypertensives
The Correct Answer is A
HELLP syndrome can occur before or after delivery.
Explanation:
• HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that is a type of preeclampsia. It stands for hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and low platelet count (affecting blood clotting).
• HELLP syndrome usually occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, but it can also develop in the first week after childbirth (postpartum preeclampsia).
• The other statements are wrong because:
➤ B. HELLP syndrome is not caused by a bacterial infection, but by unknown factors that may involve abnormal placental development.
➤ C. HELLP syndrome cannot be prevented by taking folic acid supplements, but by early diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia.
➤
D. HELLP syndrome is treated with corticosteroids and antihypertensives, but only as supportive measures to manage the symptoms and complications. The definitive treatment is delivery of the baby as soon as possible.
• Normal ranges for some of the tests used to diagnose HELLP syndrome are:
➤ Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): 140 to 280 U/L
➤ Aspartate transaminase (AST): 10 to 40 U/L
➤ Platelet count: 150 to 450 x 10^9/L
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, C and D. Here is why:
• Choice A is correct becausemonitoring the client’s deep tendon reflexesis a way to assess the client’s neuromuscular status and the risk of magnesium toxicity.Magnesium sulfate can cause muscle weakness and decreased reflexes.
• Choice B is correct becausechecking the client’s urine output every houris a way to monitor the client’s renal function and fluid balance.Magnesium sulfate is excreted by the kidneys and can cause oliguria and fluid overload.
• Choice C is correct becauseadministering calcium gluconate as an antidote if neededis a way to treat magnesium toxicity.Calcium gluconate reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems.
• Choice D is correct becausekeeping a bag of 0.9% sodium chloride solution at the bedsideis a way to prepare for possible complications of magnesium sulfate therapy such as hypotension, pulmonary edema, or cardiac arrest.Normal saline can help restore blood pressure and fluid balance.
• Choice E is wrong becauseflushing the IV line with heparin before and after infusionis not necessary or recommended for magnesium sulfate administration.Heparin is an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding and is not compatible with magnesium sulfate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Coagulation profile.This is because HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication that involveshemolysis(breaking down of red blood cells),elevated liver enzymes(indicating liver injury) andlow platelet count(impairing blood clotting).A coagulation profile can help monitor these abnormalities and assess the risk of bleeding or clotting complications.
Choice A is wrong because blood glucose is not directly affected by HELLP syndrome, although it may be elevated in women with gestational diabetes or pre-existing diabetes.
Choice B is wrong because serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function, not liver function.However, kidney function may also be impaired in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are associated with HELLP syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because thyroid function is not related to HELLP syndrome.Thyroid disorders may occur in pregnancy, but they have different symptoms and causes.
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