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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has a history of anemia.Which of the following results should the nurse identify and report as an indication of a prenatal complication?

A.

BUN 25 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL).

B.

Hgb 10.2 mg/dL (11 to 16 mg/dL).

C.

Fasting blood glucose 70 mg/dL (70 to 110 mg/dL).

D.

Hct 32% (33 to 47%).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

Elevated BUN levels (25 mg/dL) can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake. However, it’s not directly related to a prenatal complication, though it still requires monitoring.

Choice B rationale

Hemoglobin (Hgb) of 10.2 mg/dL is below the normal range (11 to 16 mg/dL) and can indicate anemia. During pregnancy, anemia can lead to serious complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, making this result significant.

Choice C rationale

A fasting blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL falls within the normal range (70 to 110 mg/dL) and does not indicate a complication. Thus, it is not concerning in the context of prenatal complications.

Choice D rationale

Hematocrit (Hct) of 32% is slightly below the normal range (33 to 47%), which can be common in pregnancy due to increased plasma volume. While monitoring is required, it’s not as critical as anemia.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Uterine contractions occur more frequently than every 15 minutes during the active phase of labor, typically every 2-3 minutes.

Choice B rationale

A fetal heart rate baseline of 166/min is considered tachycardia and may not be normal during labor.

Choice C rationale

Late decelerations are concerning and not expected as they may indicate fetal distress.

Choice D rationale

Contractions lasting about 75 seconds are expected during the active phase of labor.

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

Explanation

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before 37 weeks of gestation. The key findings associated with preterm labor are:

  • Cervical effacement and dilation: The client is 100% effaced and 2 cm dilated.
  • Regular uterine contractions: The client is experiencing contractions every 3 minutes, lasting 60 seconds.
  • Bloody show: The presence of bloody mucus discharge is another sign of preterm labor.
  • Low backache: The client reports cramping and low back pain.

Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)

PPROM refers to the rupture of membranes before labor begins and before 37 weeks of gestation. The key findings associated with PPROM are:

  • Vaginal discharge: The client reported urinary leakage earlier, which could be misinterpreted as amniotic fluid leakage. Clear mucus discharge can also be a sign of ruptured membranes.

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