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?
BUN 25 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL).
Hgb 10.2 mg/dL (11 to 16 mg/dL).
Fasting blood glucose 70 mg/dL (70 to 110 mg/dL).
Hct 32% (33 to 47%).
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A
Choice A rationale: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 25 mg/dL exceeds the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and may indicate impaired renal function or dehydration. In pregnancy, elevated BUN is concerning because renal perfusion is typically increased, leading to lower BUN levels. A rise suggests possible renal compromise, which can affect fetal development and maternal health. It warrants provider notification to assess for underlying pathology such as preeclampsia or renal insufficiency.
Choice B rationale: Hemoglobin level of 10.2 mg/dL is slightly below the normal pregnancy range of 11 to 16 mg/dL, indicating mild anemia. However, in the context of pregnancy, especially with a known history of anemia, this value is not critically low. Iron supplementation and dietary adjustments are typically sufficient. It does not represent an acute complication unless accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, pallor, or tachycardia. Therefore, it does not require immediate provider notification.
Choice C rationale: Fasting blood glucose of 70 mg/dL is at the lower end of the normal range for pregnancy, which spans from 70 to 110 mg/dL. This value is physiologically acceptable and does not indicate hypoglycemia or gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, insulin sensitivity fluctuates, but a fasting glucose of 70 mg/dL is not pathologic. No intervention is needed unless symptomatic hypoglycemia occurs. Thus, this result is not indicative of a prenatal complication.
Choice D rationale: Hematocrit level of 32% is slightly below the normal pregnancy range of 33 to 47%, reflecting mild dilutional anemia due to plasma volume expansion. This is a common physiological adaptation in pregnancy and not necessarily pathologic. Unless accompanied by symptoms or a significant drop in hemoglobin, this value alone does not indicate a prenatal complication. Monitoring and nutritional support are appropriate, but urgent provider notification is not required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Music can be a non-pharmacological method to help manage pain and anxiety during the latent phase of labor.
Choice B rationale
Biofeedback might be helpful but can be challenging to implement without prior training.
Choice C rationale
Administering fentanyl 100 mg every hour is not appropriate; fentanyl is typically administered in much smaller doses.
Choice D rationale
A pudendal nerve block is usually reserved for the second stage of labor or delivery, not the latent phase.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
Based on the assessment findings, the nurse identifies that the client is at greatest risk for developing:
- Postpartum infection
- Hemorrhage
Here's the
- Postpartum infection: The client has a history of prolonged rupture of membranes and is experiencing a moderate amount of lochia rubra, both of which increase the risk of infection. Additionally, she reports feeling weak, fatigued, and has a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F), which are signs of a possible infection.
- Hemorrhage: The moderate amount of lochia rubra and a boggy fundus above the umbilicus indicate that the client may be at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. The provider's prescription for administering oxytocin if needed also suggests a concern for uterine atony, which can lead to hemorrhage.
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