A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with gestational hypertension who has been diagnosed with HELLP syndrome.

Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?

Hemoglobin 12 g/dL, platelets 150,000/mm3, AST 20 U/L, ALT 18 U/L

Hemoglobin 10 g/dL, platelets 100,000/mm3, AST 40 U/L, ALT 35 U/L

Hemoglobin 8 g/dL, platelets 50,000/mm3, AST 80 U/L, ALT 70 U/L

Hemoglobin 6 g/dL, platelets 25,000/mm3, AST 120 U/L, ALT 100 U/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D. Hemoglobin 6 g/dL, platelets 25,000/mm3, AST 120 U/L, ALT 100 U/L.

This is because HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication that causes hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver injury), and low platelet count (impairing blood clotting).

Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin 12 g/dL, platelets 150,000/mm3, AST 20 U/L, ALT 18 U/L are all within normal ranges and do not indicate HELLP syndrome.

Choice B is wrong because hemoglobin 10 g/dL, platelets 100,000/mm3, AST 40 U/L, ALT 35 U/L are mildly abnormal and may suggest mild preeclampsia but not HELLP syndrome.

Choice C is wrong because hemoglobin 8 g/dL, platelets 50,000/mm3, AST 80 U/L, ALT 70 U/L are moderately abnormal and may suggest moderate preeclampsia or incomplete HELLP syndrome but not full HELLP syndrome.

Normal ranges for these laboratory tests are:

• Hemoglobin: 11.5 to 16.5 g/dL for women.

• Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000/mm3 for adults.

• AST: 10 to 40 U/L for adults.

• ALT: 7 to 56 U/L for adults.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A) Serum magnesium level.Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia.It is often given intravenously and can also be used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days.However, magnesium sulfate can also cause side effects and toxicity, such as respiratory depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest.Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum magnesium level to ensure that it is within the therapeutic range of 4 to 7 mg/dL.

Choice B) Serum potassium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the potassium level significantly.

Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.

The normal range of potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Choice C) Serum sodium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the sodium level significantly.

Sodium is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.

The normal range of sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L.

Choice D) Serum calcium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the calcium level significantly.

Calcium is a mineral that is important for bone health, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.

The normal range of calcium level is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.

A. Administer the medication over 30 min using an infusion pump B. Place the client in a supine position with a wedge under the right hip C. Monitor the client’s blood pressure every 15 min during the infusion D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.However, it can also cause toxicity and respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity and should be readily available at the bedside.

Choice A is wrong because the medication should be administered over 20-30 minutes using an infusion pump.

A shorter infusion time may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Choice B is wrong because the client should be placed in a lateral position to improve uteroplacental perfusion and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s blood pressure should be monitored every 5 minutes during the infusion, not every 15 minutes.

Blood pressure is an indicator of the severity of preeclampsia and the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with gestational hypertension who has been diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is diagnosed with preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for seizure prophylaxis. The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer an IV loading dose of magnesium sulfate to a client who has preeclampsia with severe features. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed methyldopa (Aldomet) to control blood pressure during pregnancy. Which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?

(Select all that apply). A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with gestational hypertension who delivered a healthy baby two days ago. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate a need for further teaching?

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A nurse is administering nifedipine to a client with gestational hypertension as prescribed by the provider. Which of the following actions would the nurse take to ensure safe administration of this medication?

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed labetalol (Normodyne) to control blood pressure during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?

Which of the following findings would indicate that a client with preeclampsia is experiencing HELLP syndrome?

Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care for a client with severe preeclampsia? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reviewing the risk factors for gestational hypertension with a group of pregnant clients at a prenatal clinic. Which of the following factors should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.).

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with gestational hypertension who has been diagnosed with HELLP syndrome.

Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?