Maternal Monitoring During Labor Related

Review Maternal Monitoring During Labor related questions and content

The blood of a pregnant client was initially assessed at 10 weeks’ gestation and reassessed at 38 weeks’ gestation.

  • A. Rise in hematocrit from 34% to 38%.
  • B. Rise in white blood cells from 5 000 cells/mm3 to 15 000 cells/mm3.
  • C. Rise in potassium from 3.9 mEq/L to 5.2 mEq/L.
  • D. Rise in sodium from 137 mEq/L to 150 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: White blood cell count increases during pregnancy due to physiological stress and immune system changes. Hematocrit levels typically decrease due to plasma expansion, while potassium and sodium levels remain stable.