What laboratory result might indicate a prenatal complication in a client at 29 weeks of gestation?

Study for the VATI RN Maternal Newborn Assessment Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your RN exam!

A BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level of 30 mg/dL at 29 weeks of gestation may indicate potential renal complications, particularly in the context of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant physiological changes, including an increased plasma volume and glomerular filtration rate, which usually results in lower BUN levels. A BUN level elevated above the normal range, especially this high, may suggest issues such as dehydration, preeclampsia, or other renal problems, which require further evaluation and management.

The other laboratory values presented do not signify the same level of concern. A hemoglobin level of 12 mg/dL, while on the lower side of normal, is not uncommon in pregnancy due to increased blood volume and typically does not indicate a complication. A glucose level of 90 mg/dL is within the normal range for pregnant women. Platelet counts around 150,000 cells/mcL are also generally considered normal during pregnancy. Therefore, the elevated BUN level stands out as a potential indicator of a complication that warrants further investigation.

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