The labor of a pregnant woman with preeclampsia is going to be induced. Before initiating the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion, the nurse reviews the woman's latest laboratory test findings, which reveal a platelet count of 90,000 mm3, an elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, and a falling hematocrit. The laboratory results are indicative of which condition?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome

Eclampsia

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome

Idiopathic thrombocytopenia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome is not the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. DIC would cause a low platelet count, but also a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.

Choice B reason: Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a seizure disorder that occurs in clients with severe preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. Eclampsia would cause a high blood pressure, but also a proteinuria, edema, and hyperreflexia.

Choice C reason: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome is the correct answer, as it is a variant of severe preeclampsia that affects the blood and the liver. HELLP syndrome is indicated by the laboratory results, as it causes a low platelet count, an elevated AST level, and a falling hematocrit. HELLP syndrome would also cause a high blood pressure, a proteinuria, and a right upper quadrant pain.

Choice D reason: Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is not the correct answer, as it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the destruction of platelets by antibodies. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can affect pregnant women, but it is not related to severe preeclampsia or the laboratory results. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia would cause a low platelet count, but not an elevated AST level or a falling hematocrit.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Calcium carbonate is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid and relieves heartburn. Calcium carbonate is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

Choice B reason: Potassium chloride is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an electrolyte supplement that replenishes potassium levels and prevents hypokalemia. Potassium chloride is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

Choice C reason: Ferrous sulfate is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an iron supplement that prevents or treats iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

Choice D reason: Calcium gluconate is the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an antidote that reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate and restores calcium levels and neuromuscular function. Calcium gluconate is used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.

A. Dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine B. Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day C. Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks D. Blood pressure (BP) increase to 138/86 mm Hg

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine is a sign of significant proteinuria, which is one of the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia, along with hypertension. Proteinuria indicates renal damage and impaired glomerular filtration, which can lead to complications, such as oliguria, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome.

Choice B reason: Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day is a common and expected finding in pregnancy, as it results from the increased blood volume, venous pressure, and fluid retention. Edema is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia, unless it is severe, generalized, or sudden.

Choice C reason: Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks is a normal and expected finding in pregnancy, as it reflects the growth and development of the fetus, placenta, and maternal tissues. Weight gain is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia, unless it is excessive, rapid, or associated with edema.

Choice D reason: Blood pressure (BP) increase to 138/86 mm Hg is a mild elevation that may indicate gestational hypertension, but not preeclampsia, unless it is accompanied by proteinuria or other signs of organ dysfunction. The diagnostic threshold for preeclampsia is a BP of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least four hours apart.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which compound would the nurse have readily available for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate to treat severe preeclampsia?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A primigravida is being monitored at the prenatal clinic for preeclampsia. Which finding is of greatest concern to the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer an injection of Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin. The nurse should understand that the purpose of this injection is to prevent which of the following newborn complications?

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for abruption?

A nurse is completing the admission assessment of a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has severe preeclampsia. Which of the following is an expected finding?

Which assessments are included in the fetal biophysical profile (BPP)? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is preparing to administer atenolol 50 mg PO daily to a client. The amount available is atenolol 100 mg/tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero)

A nurse is caring for a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The newborn has respiratory distress syndrome. The nurse should be aware that the most likely cause of the respiratory distress is which of the following?

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has severe gestational hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to implement? (Select all that apply.)