62. A client, who is gravida 6, para 4, has blood drawn for routine prenatal first-trimester laboratory work. Upon reviewing the client's laboratory results, which result should a nurse consider within normal limits for this stage of pregnancy?
62. A client, who is gravida 6, para 4, has blood drawn for routine prenatal first-trimester laboratory work. Upon reviewing the client's laboratory results, which result should a nurse consider within normal limits for this stage of pregnancy?
. Hemoglobin of 11 gm/dL.
. Hemoglobin of 18 gm/dL.
. Fasting serum glucose of 110 mg/dL.
. White blood cell count of 18,000/mL.
Test-Taking Tip
This question asks to identify the normal value for the first trimester of pregnancy. Know that laboratory values change during pregnancy.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Laboratory Values
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Answer 1 is correct because blood volume increases by 30% to 50% in pregnancy. This causes hemodilution of RBCs and physiological anemia. Normal hemoglobin levels in pregnancy range from 11 to 12 gm/dL. Answer 2 is incorrect because plethora (hemoglobin >15.5 gm/dL for women) is not a normal finding in pregnancy. Answer 3 is incorrect because normal fasting serum glucose in pregnancy is less than 95 mg/dL. Answer 4 is incorrect because a normal WBC for first trimester pregnancy is 6,600 to 14,100/mL.