Question

Which one of the following findings would alert the nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome in a pregnant client?

A) Hyperglycemia
B) Elevated platelet count
C) Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC)
D) Elevated liver enzymes

Answer 1

Elevated liver enzymes alert a nurse to the potential development of HELLP syndrome in a pregnant client.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding that would alert a nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome in a pregnant client is D) Elevated liver enzymes. HELLP syndrome is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. The detection of elevated liver enzymes, such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), can be indicative of liver damage, which is a component of this syndrome. Other features of HELLP syndrome may include symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Given that other options such as hyperglycemia, elevated platelet count, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) are not specific to HELLP syndrome, elevated liver enzymes remain the key indicator among the choices provided.