Question

The blood of a pregnant client was initially assessed at 10 weeks' gestation and reassessed at 38 weeks' gestation. Which of the following results would the nurse expect to see?

1) Rise in hematocrit from 34
2) Rise in white blood cells from 5,000 cells/mm3 to 15,000 cells/mm3
3) Rise in potassium from 3.9 mEq/ L to 5.2 mEq/ L
4) Rise in sodium from 137 mEq/ L to 150 mEq/ L

Answer 1

In the blood of a pregnant client between 10 and 38 weeks' gestation, a rise in white blood cell count is a typical physiological change due to pregnancy-induced leukocytosis. Other changes like significant rises in hematocrit, potassium, and sodium levels are not expected and could indicate pathologies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expected changes in the blood of a pregnant client between 10 weeks' gestation and 38 weeks' gestation would likely include an increased white blood cell (WBC) count, among other changes. During pregnancy, the blood volume increases substantially, by approximately 30 percent to cope with the demands of fetal nourishment and waste removal. Normal physiological changes in pregnancy also include an increase in WBC, known as leukocytosis, which is a natural protective response. Therefore, one would expect a rise in white blood cells from 5,000 cells/mm3 to around 15,000 cells/mm3. A rise in hematocrit is not typical as the increase in plasma volume disproportionately dilutes red cells, a rise in potassium to such levels would indicate hyperkalemia which is not a normal physiological change in pregnancy, and a significant rise in sodium to 150 mEq/L would be a cause for concern of hypernatremia.