What laboratory finding should a nurse report for a client at 31 weeks of gestation with gestational hypertension?

In the context of a client at 31 weeks of gestation with gestational hypertension, a platelet count of 99,000/mm3 is a critical laboratory finding that warrants immediate reporting. This finding indicates thrombocytopenia, or a low platelet count, which can be concerning for the development of severe gestational hypertension or HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count), a serious complication during pregnancy.

Monitoring platelet levels in a patient with gestational hypertension is essential as a declining platelet count may indicate worsening maternal or fetal condition, necessitating further evaluation and potential intervention. In this scenario, the client’s platelet count being below the normal threshold—where typically a count should be higher than 150,000/mm3—highlights the need for close monitoring and possible escalation of care.

The other findings do not raise immediate red flags. For example, a hematocrit of 34% could be considered within a range that many obstetric clients may present with, particularly as pregnancy progresses. A blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL is well within the normal range and therefore is not a concern in the context of hypertension. Reporting a CBC with normal ranges does not indicate any abnormalities requiring intervention. Each of