A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about the risk factors for pre-eclampsia.

Which of the following should the nurse include? (Select all that apply).

The correct answer is choices B, C, D, and E.These are all risk factors for pre-eclampsia according to various sources.

Choice A is wrong because age over 35 years is not a risk factor for pre-eclampsia by itself, although it may be associated with other conditions that increase the risk, such as chronic hypertension or diabetes.

Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that involves high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and organ damage.It can affect both the mother and the fetus and can lead to serious complications such as eclampsia (seizures), placental abruption, and stillbirth.It is more common in first pregnancies, especially with a new partner, because of the immune response to the foreign fetal antigens.Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and multiple gestation are also risk factors because they increase the metabolic and vascular demands on the placenta and the mother.

Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:

• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg

• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 30 mg/dL on a random urine sample

The correct answer is choice A, C, D and E. Here is why:

• Choice A is correct becausedisseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)is a blood clotting disorder that can develop as a complication of HELLP syndrome.DIC can result in excessive bleeding or blood clots in various organs.

• Choice B is wrong becauseacute kidney injuryis not a common complication of HELLP syndrome.However, preeclampsia can cause kidney damage and proteinuria (high levels of protein in the urine).

• Choice C is correct becausepulmonary edemais a condition where fluid accumulates in and around the lungs, impairing oxygen absorption.It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to high blood pressure and fluid overload.

• Choice D is correct becauseplacental abruptionis a condition where the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery.

It can cause severe bleeding and fetal distress.It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to high blood pressure and abnormal blood clotting.

• Choice E is correct becausefetal growth restrictionis a condition where the fetus does not grow as expected.It can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta.

Normal ranges for liver enzymes are:

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)

• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 8 to 48 U/L

• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 45 to 115 U/L

Normal range for platelet count is:

• 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microlitre.