For a client at 32 weeks of gestation, which laboratory result should prompt the nurse to notify the provider?

For a client at 32 weeks of gestation, which laboratory result should prompt the nurse to notify the provider?

• A. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL
• B. Platelet count of 90,000/mm3
• C. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL
• D. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm3

Answer: (B)

At 32 weeks of gestation, a platelet count of 90,000/mm³ is significant and would prompt the nurse to notify the provider. Normal platelet counts typically range from 150,000 to 450,000/mm³. A count below 100,000/mm³ indicates thrombocytopenia, which can lead to increased risks of complications during labor and delivery, such as bleeding and issues with the mother's and fetus's overall health. Identifying and addressing low platelet counts is critical because it can signal conditions like gestational thrombocytopenia or more serious concerns such as HELLP syndrome, especially in the context of pregnancy. Therefore, the nurse must communicate this finding to ensure appropriate management and monitoring for the safety of both the mother and the baby. In contrast, the other laboratory results provided fall within acceptable or non-critical ranges for a client at this stage of pregnancy. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL is generally considered adequate, a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is typically acceptable for a non-diabetic patient, and a white blood cell count of 10,000/mm³ is within normal limits. None of these warrant immediate notification to the provider like the low platelet count does.

At 32 weeks of gestation, a platelet count of 90,000/mm³ is significant and would prompt the nurse to notify the provider. Normal platelet counts typically range from 150,000 to 450,000/mm³. A count below 100,000/mm³ indicates thrombocytopenia, which can lead to increased risks of complications during labor and delivery, such as bleeding and issues with the mother's and fetus's overall health.

Identifying and addressing low platelet counts is critical because it can signal conditions like gestational thrombocytopenia or more serious concerns such as HELLP syndrome, especially in the context of pregnancy. Therefore, the nurse must communicate this finding to ensure appropriate management and monitoring for the safety of both the mother and the baby.

In contrast, the other laboratory results provided fall within acceptable or non-critical ranges for a client at this stage of pregnancy. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL is generally considered adequate, a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is typically acceptable for a non-diabetic patient, and a white blood cell count of 10,000/mm³ is within normal limits. None of these warrant immediate notification to the provider like the low platelet count does.