Gastrointestinal Changes in pregnancy
Gastrointestinal Changes in pregnancy ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pregnant client who has hyperemesis gravidarum.
The nurse should expect to find which of the following findings?
Metabolic acidosis is not a typical finding in HG. Metabolic alkalosis is more likely due to loss of gastric acid from vomiting.
Hypokalemia. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, ketosis, and weight loss. Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality in HG due to excessive vomiting and poor oral intake. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and renal impairment.
Hyperglycemia is not associated with HG. Hyperglycemia may occur in gestational diabetes or pregestational diabetes, which are risk factors for HG but not direct causes.
Hyponatremia is not a common complication of HG. Hyponatremia may occur in severe cases of dehydration or if excessive intravenous fluids are given without adequate sodium replacement.
Hypokalemia. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, ketosis, and weight loss. Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality in HG due to excessive vomiting and poor oral intake. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and renal impairment.
Choice A is wrong because metabolic acidosis is not a typical finding in HG. Metabolic alkalosis is more likely due to loss of gastric acid from vomiting.
Choice C is wrong because hyperglycemia is not associated with HG. Hyperglycemia may occur in gestational diabetes or pregestational diabetes, which are risk factors for HG but not direct causes.
Choice D is wrong because hyponatremia is not a common complication of HG. Hyponatremia may occur in severe cases of dehydration or if excessive intravenous fluids are given without adequate sodium replacement.