The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a pregnant client. Which finding would alert the nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome?

elevated liver enzymes

elevated platelet count

leukocytosis

hyperglycemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Elevated liver enzymes is a key indicator of HELLP syndrome, which stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. HELLP syndrome is a severe form of preeclampsia and can lead to liver damage. Elevated liver enzymes, such as AST and ALT, are a hallmark of this condition, indicating liver dysfunction.

B. Elevated platelet count would be the opposite of what is expected in HELLP syndrome. In HELLP syndrome, there is typically low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), not an elevated one.

C. Leukocytosis refers to an increased white blood cell count, which can be indicative of an infection or inflammation, but it is not a hallmark of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome primarily involves hemolysis, liver enzyme elevation, and low platelets.

D. Hyperglycemia is not a characteristic finding of HELLP syndrome. While it can occur in some pregnancy-related conditions, it is not specifically associated with HELLP syndrome. This condition is more associated with elevated liver enzymes and low platelets.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Newborns typically go through predictable behavioral states after birth. During the first period of reactivity, which lasts about 30–60 minutes after birth, the newborn is awake, alert, and active. This is followed by a period of sleep or decreased activity, which can last 2 to 4 hours. It is normal for the baby to be sleepy and difficult to awaken during this phase, especially around 2 hours of age.

B. Probable hypoglycemia could cause lethargy in a newborn, but it would typically be accompanied by other symptoms such as jitteriness, poor feeding, or abnormal vital signs. In a healthy 2-hour-old baby, sleepiness alone is not enough to suggest hypoglycemia.

C. Physiological abnormality is incorrect. There is no evidence of abnormality in a sleepy 2-hour-old newborn, as this is an expected part of the normal behavioral cycle after birth.

D. Inadequate oxygenation would likely present with signs such as cyanosis, abnormal respiratory rate, or poor perfusion, not just sleepiness.

A. 8.4 mEq/L B. 6.1 mEq/L C. 10.8 mEq/L D. 3.3 mEq/L

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. 8.4 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range and may indicate magnesium toxicity. Levels greater than 7.5–8 mEq/L can lead to loss of deep tendon reflexes, and higher levels can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
B. 6.1 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for magnesium sulfate when used to treat severe preeclampsia, which is generally 4.8–8.4 mEq/L (or 4–7 mEq/L depending on the source and unit of measurement). This level is considered safe and effective for preventing seizures.
C. 10.8 mEq/L is too high and indicates magnesium toxicity, placing the patient at risk for serious complications like respiratory or cardiac arrest.
D. 3.3 mEq/L is below the therapeutic range, suggesting that the dose may be inadequate to prevent eclamptic seizures in a woman with severe preeclampsia.

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The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a pregnant client. Which finding would alert the nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client expresses concern that her 2-hour-old newborn is sleepy and difficult to awaken. The nurse explains that this behavior indicates:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A woman is receiving magnesium sulfate as part of her treatment for severe preeclampsia. The nurse is monitoring the woman's serum magnesium levels. The nurse determines that the drug is at a therapeutic level based on which result?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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