Final answer:
The presence of proteinuria, specifically albumin, in a client's urinalysis report is an indicator of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential kidney damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The laboratory finding in a client's urinalysis report that indicates preeclampsia is the presence of proteinuria, specifically the presence of albumin.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the kidneys. The most common laboratory indicator for preeclampsia during urinalysis is the presence of significant levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria), often measured as higher than 300 mg in a 24-hour urine sample or a protein/creatinine ratio greater than 0.3 mg/dL in a random urine sample. In preeclampsia, the kidneys can spill into the urine large amounts of protein that they would normally retain in the bloodstream due to the increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier.
Assessment for albuminuria is critical in managing pregnant women and preventing possible complications. Recognizing this symptom early can lead to better outcomes for the mother and the unborn child through closer monitoring and timely intervention.