HELLP Syndrome
HELLP Syndrome ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client who is at risk for developing HELLP syndrome.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?
• HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that is a type of preeclampsia. It stands for hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and low platelet count (affecting blood clotting).
• HELLP syndrome usually occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, but it can also develop in the first week after childbirth (postpartum preeclampsia).
• Normal ranges for some of the tests used to diagnose HELLP syndrome are:
➤ Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): 140 to 280 U/L
➤ Aspartate transaminase (AST): 10 to 40 U/L
➤ Platelet count: 150 to 450 x 10^9/L
HELLP syndrome is not caused by a bacterial infection, but by unknown factors that may involve abnormal placental development.
HELLP syndrome cannot be prevented by taking folic acid supplements, but by early diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia.
HELLP syndrome is treated with corticosteroids and antihypertensives, but only as supportive measures to manage the symptoms and complications. The definitive treatment is delivery of the baby as soon as possible.
HELLP syndrome can occur before or after delivery.
Explanation:
• HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that is a type of preeclampsia. It stands for hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and low platelet count (affecting blood clotting).
• HELLP syndrome usually occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, but it can also develop in the first week after childbirth (postpartum preeclampsia).
• The other statements are wrong because:
➤ B. HELLP syndrome is not caused by a bacterial infection, but by unknown factors that may involve abnormal placental development.
➤ C. HELLP syndrome cannot be prevented by taking folic acid supplements, but by early diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia.
➤
D. HELLP syndrome is treated with corticosteroids and antihypertensives, but only as supportive measures to manage the symptoms and complications. The definitive treatment is delivery of the baby as soon as possible.
• Normal ranges for some of the tests used to diagnose HELLP syndrome are:
➤ Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): 140 to 280 U/L
➤ Aspartate transaminase (AST): 10 to 40 U/L
➤ Platelet count: 150 to 450 x 10^9/L