The labor of a pregnant woman with preeclampsia is going to be induced. Before initiating the Pitocin infusion, the nurse reviews the woman's latest laboratory test findings, which reveal a platelet count of 90,000, an elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) level, and a falling hematocrit. The nurse notifies the physician because the laboratory results are indicative of:

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The laboratory results indicate the development of HELLP syndrome in the pregnant woman. A platelet count below 100,000, elevated liver enzymes (such as AST), and falling hematocrit are indicative of this serious complication. Inducing labor is often necessary to prevent further harm to both the mother and the fetus. Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia characterized by seizures, which may occur if preeclampsia is uncontrolled. DIC is a condition where clotting factors are excessively consumed, and widespread clotting and bleeding can occur. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is a condition where the body destroys its own platelets, causing a low platelet count.

The Labor of a Pregnant Woman with Preeclampsia Is Going