HELLP SYNDROME

Question 1

what does HELLP stand for?

Answer 1

hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, low platelets

Question 2

• complication of HPN of pregnancy, may accompany either mild or severe
  preeclampsia
• occurs late in pregnancy or after birth

Answer 2

HELLP

Question 3

HELLP results in a maternal mortality rate as high as ___%

Answer 3

35%

Question 4

fetal morbidity and mortality rates range from ___% and usually result from placental abruption, intrauterine asphyxia, or prematurity

Answer 4

9-24%

Question 5

fragmentation and distortion
of the erythrocytes during
passage through small
damaged blood vessels.

Answer 5

hemolysis

Question 6

Fibrin forms crosslinked
networks in the small blood
vessels.

Answer 6

microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

Question 7

fibrin deposits in blood vessels = ??

Answer 7

obstruction in hepatic blood flow

Question 8

vascular damage resulting from vasospasm = ??

Answer 8

platelet aggregate at sites of damage > thrombocytopenia

Question 9

possible complications

Answer 9

• subcapsular liver hematoma
• severe hemorrhage at birth
• seizure

Question 10

s/sx of HELLP

Answer 10

• pain in RUQ lower right chest or midepigastric area
• NV
• severed edema
• malaise
• hyperbilirubinemia and juandice

Question 11

management of HELLP

Answer 11

• transfusion of fresh frozen plasma or platelets
• infant delivery ASAP

Question 12

true or false - Epidural anesthesia may not be possible

Answer 12

true

Question 13

medications given for clients with HELLP

Answer 13

• mag sul - for seizures
• hydralazine - for HTN

Question 14

___ with labor induction usually done if the gestation is at least 34 weeks and the woman’s condition is stable to give steroids a chance to stimulate fetal lung maturation.

Answer 14

cervical ripening