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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Misoprostol is not the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is a prostaglandin E1 analog that causes uterine contractions and cervical ripening. Misoprostol is used for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, but it is less effective and more side effects than oxytocin, which is the first line medication.
Choice B reason: Pitocin is the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is a synthetic form of oxytocin, which is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and retraction. Pitocin is used for the induction and augmentation of labor, and the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, as it reduces blood loss and enhances hemostasis.
Choice C reason: Hemabate is not the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is a prostaglandin F2 alpha analog that causes uterine contractions and vasoconstriction. Hemabate is used for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, but it is contraindicated in clients with asthma, hypertension, or cardiac disease, as it can cause bronchospasm, hypertension, or cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D reason: Methergine is not the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is an ergot alkaloid that causes sustained uterine contractions and vasoconstriction. Methergine is used for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, but it is contraindicated in clients with hypertension, preeclampsia, or cardiac disease, as it can cause severe hypertension, cerebrovascular accidents, or myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Erythroblastosis fetalis is the correct answer, as it is a hemolytic disease of the newborn that occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the newborn is Rh-positive, and the maternal antibodies cross the placenta and destroy the newborn's red blood cells, causing anemia, jaundice, and edema. Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin is an injection that prevents the formation of Rh-positive antibodies in the mother, and reduces the risk of erythroblastosis fetalis in the current or subsequent pregnancies.
Choice B reason: Hypobilirubinemia is not the correct answer, as it is a low level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause pale skin, poor feeding, or lethargy. Hypobilirubinemia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a common or serious complication in the newborn.
Choice C reason: Biliary atresia is not the correct answer, as it is a congenital defect of the bile ducts that prevents the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine, causing jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Biliary atresia is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is not a preventable complication in the newborn.
Choice D reason: Transient clotting difficulties is not the correct answer, as it is a bleeding disorder that occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin K, which is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors. Transient clotting difficulties is not related to the Rh factor or the Rh0 (D) immunoglobulin injection, and it is preventable by administering vitamin K to the newborn.
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