The labor of a pregnant teenager with preeclampsia is going to be induced. Before initiating the Oxytocin infusion, the nurse reviews the woman’s latest laboratory test findings, which reveal a platelet count of 80,000, an elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) level (250 U/L), and falling hemoglobin from 14 to 11 g/dl. The nurse notifies the physician because the laboratory results are indicative of
Select one:
A.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia.
B.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
C.
HELLP syndrome.
D.
Eclampsia.
E.
Eclampsia.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
C. HELLP syndrome.
Explanation:
HELLP syndrome is a severe form of preeclampsia and is characterized by a combination of laboratory findings and clinical symptoms. The acronym HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. This syndrome can pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus and requires prompt medical intervention.
The laboratory findings in the scenario are indicative of HELLP syndrome:
- Low Platelet Count: The patient has a platelet count of 80,000, which is significantly lower than normal. In HELLP syndrome, platelet levels are usually below 100,000/µL.
- Elevated AST Level: The aspartate transaminase (AST) level is elevated at 250 U/L. Elevated liver enzymes are a hallmark of HELLP syndrome, reflecting liver dysfunction or damage.
- Falling Hemoglobin: The drop in hemoglobin from 14 to 11 g/dL suggests hemolysis, which is another component of HELLP syndrome. Hemolysis leads to a decrease in hemoglobin levels and can contribute to anemia.
These findings are consistent with HELLP syndrome rather than other conditions like Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia, or Eclampsia:
- DIC involves widespread clotting and bleeding issues, and while it can be associated with preeclampsia, it typically presents with more severe bleeding complications and a more complex coagulation profile.
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia is a condition with low platelet counts but does not usually involve elevated liver enzymes or hemolysis.
- Eclampsia is characterized by seizures in a patient with preeclampsia but does not specifically address the laboratory findings of elevated liver enzymes and low platelet counts.
Given the presence of low platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, and falling hemoglobin, the nurse should suspect HELLP syndrome and notify the physician immediately for further evaluation and management.