The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for several prenatal clients. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anemia is a common complication of pregnancy, sometimes due to iron deficiency. During the second half of pregnancy, the fetus begins to store iron in preparation for extrauterine life and depletes maternal iron stores. Hemoglobin <11 g/dL (110 g/L) in the first or third trimester or <10.5 g/dL (105 g/L) in the second trimester is considered low. The nurse should evaluate a client with a hemoglobin of 9 g/dL (90 g/L) for symptoms of anemia (eg, fatigue, shortness of breath) and notify the health care provider because the client may require additional testing (eg, complete blood count, serum ferritin) and iron supplementation (Option A). (Option B) A 1-hour (50 g) oral glucose challenge test screens clients for gestational diabetes and is considered abnormal if blood glucose is ≥130-140 mg/dL (7.2-7.8 mmol/L). (Option C) Protein is not normally detected in the urine, but large amounts of protein in the urine (eg, ≥300 mg/24 hours, ≥1+ on urine dipstick) along with elevated blood pressure (eg, ≥140/90 mm Hg) may indicate preeclampsia. Trace protein is likely due to specimen contamination or recent illness. (Option D) During pregnancy, it is normal for the WBC count to increase, even in the absence of infection. Educational objective: Anemia during pregnancy occurs when hemoglobin is <11 g/dL (110 g/L) in the first or third trimester or <10.5 g/dL (105 g/L) in the second trimester. The nurse should evaluate clients with low hemoglobin for symptoms of anemia and anticipate additional testing and/or iron supplementation.

The Nurse Is Reviewing Laboratory Results for Several Prenatal Clients