A nurse is reviewing the discharge instructions for a client who had HELLP syndrome during pregnancy.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
“I will need to have regular blood pressure checks for a few weeks.”
“I will avoid taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”
“I will resume my oral contraceptive pills as soon as possible.”
“I will report any signs of bleeding or infection to my provider.”
The Correct Answer is C
“I will resume my oral contraceptive pills as soon as possible.”
This statement indicates a need for further teaching because oral contraceptive pills are not recommended for women who had HELLP syndrome during pregnancy. Oral contraceptive pills can increase the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure, which can be dangerous for women with a history of HELLP syndrome.
Women who had HELLP syndrome should consult their provider about alternative methods of contraception that are safer for them.
The other statements are correct and do not indicate a need for further teaching:
• A. “I will need to have regular blood pressure checks for a few weeks.” This statement is correct because women who had HELLP syndrome are at risk of developing high blood pressure or preeclampsia after delivery and need to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
• B. “I will avoid taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).” This statement is correct because NSAIDs can interfere with platelet function and increase the risk of bleeding, which can be harmful for women who had HELLP syndrome.
• D. “I will report any signs of bleeding or infection to my provider.” This statement is correct because women who had HELLP syndrome are at risk of developing complications such as hemorrhage, infection, liver rupture, or stroke and need to seek medical attention if they notice any signs of bleeding or infection.
Normal ranges:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
• Platelet count: 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood
• Liver enzymes: AST (aspartate aminotransferase) less than 40 U/L; ALT (alanine aminotransferase) less than 40 U/L
• Hemoglobin: 12 to 16 g/dL for women
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.