A pregnant client comes to the facility complaining of nausea, epigastric pain and general malaise. Physical assessment reveals right upper quadrant tenderness. The nurse midwife suspects that the client has a HELLP syndrome. A series of laboratory exams are ordered for further evaluation. Which laboratory result would indicate a diagnosis other than HELLP syndrome?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A platelet count higher than 100,000 platelets/µL does not support the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome, a variation of pregnancy-induced hypertension, is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. Hemolysis is manifested by the RBCs appearing fragmented on a peripheral blood smear. The liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase are elevated because of hemorrhage and necrosis of the liver.

A Pregnant Client Comes to the Facility Complaining of Nausea