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    Ati Demsn 650 Pediatrics Proctored Exam
    Select All That Apply

    A 33-week pregnant client presents with severe right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and malaise. The provider suspects HELLP syndrome. Which combination of laboratory findings would confirm the diagnosis? (Select All that Apply.)

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Hemolysis occurs due to microvascular endothelial damage, which leads to fragmentation and destruction of red blood cells. Laboratory evidence includes elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH >600 U/L), elevated indirect bilirubin, and decreased haptoglobin. This contributes to fatigue, malaise, and jaundice in severe cases. B. Elevated liver enzymes indicate hepatocellular injury caused by microvascular damage. Laboratory evidence includes AST >70 U/L and mildly to moderately elevated ALT. This liver damage correlates with right upper quadrant or epigastric pain and may also lead to nausea and vomiting. C. Although often present, severe hypertension is not required for diagnosis. Some women with HELLP may have only mild or normal blood pressure, so elevated blood pressure alone cannot confirm the syndrome. D. Hyperglycemia is unrelated; blood glucose levels are usually normal in HELLP syndrome. Elevated glucose may suggest another metabolic disorder such as gestational diabetes. E. Low platelets occur due to platelet aggregation and consumption in the damaged microvasculature. Laboratory evidence includes platelet counts <100,000/mm&sup3;. This increases the risk for bleeding, bruising, and complications during delivery.

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