Question

A client with preeclampsia is admitted to the labor and birthing suite. her blood pressure is 130/90 mm hg, and she has 2 protein in her urine along with edema of the hands and face. which signs or symptoms would the client display if she were developing hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (hellp syndrome)

Answer 1

Answer:

The signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, headache , nausea , abdominal pain, backache , changes in vision, anemia and tiredness , swelling, etc.

Explanation:

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication occurring in pregnant women that usually happens late in pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in urine, edema or swelling in hands, legs, feet, face, etc.

HELLP syndrome (H - hemolysis, EL - elevated liver enzymes, LP - low platelet count) is another disorder that arises usually in association with preeclampsia. It usually occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy or postpartum and is characterized by hemolysis due to the rupturing of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes due to leakage of high amounts of enzymes from injured liver cells, and a low platelet count. Hemolysis or breakdown of red blood cells results in low red blood cell levels and eventually leads to anemia. Low platelet count prevents clotting and can cause excessive bleeding.

The first signs of this syndrome seem like preeclampsia which includes high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Later, other symptoms such as

• headache
• nausea
• swelling due to fluid retention
• anemia and tiredness
• indigestion with pain after eating
• abdominal pain (upper right side pain from liver distention)
• backache
• shoulder pain
• pain when breathing deeply
• blurry vision or other visual issues
• excessive and sudden weight gain
• bleeding
• seizures

Complications may also include rupture of the liver capsule, placental abruption, disseminated intravascular coagulation, kidney failure, etc.