Outcomes and prognosis
Outcomes and prognosis ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with gestational hypertension who has developed preeclampsia.
Which of the following findings would indicate the presence of HELLP syndrome?
Elevated serum creatinine indicates kidney damage, which is not specific for HELLP syndrome. Kidney damage can occur in preeclampsia or eclampsia as well.
Elevated serum uric acid is also not specific for HELLP syndrome. It can be a marker of preeclampsia or eclampsia, but it is not part of the diagnostic criteria for HELLP syndrome.
Elevated serum transaminases indicate liver damage, which is one of the features of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that is a type of preeclampsia and has similar symptoms. It stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
Elevated serum glucose is not related to HELLP syndrome. It can be a sign of gestational diabetes, which is a different pregnancy complication.
The correct answer is choice C. Elevated serum transaminases indicate liver damage, which is one of the features of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that is a type of preeclampsia and has similar symptoms. It stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
Choice A is wrong because elevated serum creatinine indicates kidney damage, which is not specific for HELLP syndrome. Kidney damage can occur in preeclampsia or eclampsia as well.
Choice B is wrong because elevated serum uric acid is also not specific for HELLP syndrome. It can be a marker of preeclampsia or eclampsia, but it is not part of the diagnostic criteria for HELLP syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because elevated serum glucose is not related to HELLP syndrome. It can be a sign of gestational diabetes, which is a different pregnancy complication.
Normal ranges for serum transaminases are 10 to 40 U/L for AST and 7 to 56 U/L for ALT. Normal ranges for serum creatinine are 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. Normal ranges for serum uric acid are 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL for women. Normal ranges for serum glucose are 70 to 100 mg/dL for fasting and less than 140 mg/dL for postprandial.