A nurse in a clinic is caring for an adolescent client who is at 24 weeks of gestation and showing signs of preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Decreased BUN is not typical in preeclampsia, where renal impairment often elevates BUN due to reduced glomerular filtration. Normal or increased BUN is expected, so this finding does not align with preeclampsia’s pathophysiology, making it an incorrect expectation. Choice B reason: Increased protein in urine (proteinuria) is a hallmark of preeclampsia, resulting from glomerular damage due to hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. This diagnostic criterion, often >300 mg/24 hours, is critical for identifying preeclampsia, making it the correct finding the nurse should expect. Choice C reason: Increased platelet count is not associated with preeclampsia, which often causes thrombocytopenia due to endothelial activation and platelet consumption. A decreased count (<100,000/mm&sup3;) is more likely, making this finding incorrect for preeclampsia’s clinical presentation. Choice D reason: Decreased serum uric acid is not expected in preeclampsia, where elevated uric acid occurs due to reduced renal clearance from glomerular dysfunction. Increased levels are a marker, so this finding is opposite to preeclampsia’s effects, making it incorrect.