After teaching a woman who has had an evacuation for gestational trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole or molar pregnancy) about her condition, which statement indicates that the nurse's teaching was successful?

A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC):

DIC is a serious condition characterized by abnormal clotting throughout the body's blood vessels, leading to both bleeding and clotting simultaneously. While it can occur in severe cases of HELLP syndrome, it is not a specific finding used to diagnose HELLP syndrome. Instead, it's a complication that can develop due to various underlying conditions, including HELLP syndrome.

B. Elevated platelet count:

In HELLP syndrome, platelet count is typically decreased, not elevated. HELLP syndrome stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. The low platelet count is a key diagnostic feature of HELLP syndrome and contributes to the risk of bleeding complications.

C. Elevated liver enzymes:

Elevated liver enzymes, particularly elevated levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), are hallmark features of HELLP syndrome. Liver involvement is a significant component of this syndrome, and elevated liver enzymes are part of the diagnostic criteria.

D. Hyperglycemia:

While hyperglycemia can occur in various conditions, it is not a characteristic finding of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome primarily affects the liver, blood clotting factors, and platelets, leading to features such as elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count, and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

A. Have the technician come back later on:

This option suggests delaying the blood draw until a later time when the IV line is removed or after the infusion is completed. While this may seem like a reasonable approach to avoid interfering with the IV line, it could lead to unnecessary delays in obtaining essential laboratory test results.

B. Notify the surgeon to obtain the specimen via a cut-down procedure:

This option involves a more invasive procedure, called a cut-down, which is typically reserved for situations where peripheral venous access is challenging or impossible. It involves making an incision to expose a vein for direct cannulation. This approach is not warranted in this scenario, where obtaining blood from the opposite arm is a standard and less invasive practice.

C. Tell the technician to obtain the specimen from the client's left arm:

This option is the most appropriate response. It instructs the technician to draw blood from the client's left arm, which is free from the IV line. Drawing blood from the opposite arm minimizes the risk of complications associated with interfering with the IV infusion.

D. Stop the technician immediately:

While stopping the technician immediately may prevent them from proceeding with the incorrect approach, it lacks specific guidance on how to proceed correctly. It's essential to provide clear instructions to the technician to draw blood from the opposite arm rather than simply halting the procedure without further direction.