A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has HELLP syndrome. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
BUN 20 mg/dL
Platelet count 77,000/mm3
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
WBC count 18,000/mm3
The Correct Answer is B
A. BUN 20 mg/dL: This is not specific to HELLP syndrome. A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate the presence of HELLP syndrome, which is associated with liver dysfunction and low platelet count.
B. Platelet count 77,000/mm3: This is correct. HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets) is characterized by a low platelet count, often less than 100,000/mm3, which is a critical indicator of this condition.
C. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL: This is a normal hemoglobin level and is not typically associated with HELLP syndrome, where hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) can cause anemia, which would lower hemoglobin levels.
D. WBC count 18,000/mm3: While an elevated WBC count can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not specifically associated with HELLP syndrome. The hallmark features of HELLP syndrome are low platelets and liver enzyme elevation, not elevated WBC.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. You wish you were no longer alive?: This response might sound accusatory and may invalidate the client's feelings. The nurse should express empathy and understanding instead of making the client feel misunderstood.
B. "It is common for people who have a terminal illness to feel that way.": This response validates the client's feelings by acknowledging the emotional distress that often accompanies a terminal illness. It normalizes the experience without minimizing it and opens the door for further discussion.
C. "Why do you wish you weren't alive any longer?": While this response is direct, it might sound too probing and may feel intrusive or dismissive of the client's emotional state. A softer, more empathetic approach is usually preferred.
D. "We should talk about the treatment plan your provider has suggested.": While discussing treatment plans is important, this response may deflect the client's emotional distress and shift the focus away from their immediate emotional needs. The nurse should first address the emotional aspect before discussing treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. WBC 13,000/mm3 is slightly elevated and might indicate an infection, but it is not critically high in the context of COPD. The nurse should still monitor the client for signs of infection but is unlikely to require immediate intervention.
B. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not require reporting.
C. Hgb 20 g/dL is elevated and should be reported. High hemoglobin levels can indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or other conditions related to chronic hypoxia, which is common in COPD. This value is above the normal range (12–18 g/dL for adults) and requires further evaluation.
D. Iron 150 mcg/dL is within the normal range (50–170 mcg/dL for adults) and does not require reporting.
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