Which laboratory result should a nurse report for a client at 29 weeks of gestation?

At 29 weeks of gestation, a hematocrit (Hct) level of 31% is significant because it falls below the expected reference range for pregnant individuals, which is typically higher due to plasma volume expansion during pregnancy. This lower level may indicate anemia, which is a common concern in pregnancy as it can affect both maternal health and fetal development.

Anemia in pregnancy can lead to increased risk of complications, such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, a hematocrit level of 31% necessitates further evaluation and possible intervention, such as dietary modifications, supplementation, or additional assessments to determine the cause and severity of the anemia.

The other laboratory values provided—hemoglobin at 12 g/dL, a platelet count of 150,000/mm³, and glucose at 80 mg/dL—are within acceptable ranges for a client at this gestational stage. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL, while on the lower side, is often considered acceptable during pregnancy, particularly in the context of the increase in plasma volume. A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is also within the normal range for pregnant individuals, and a glucose level of 80 mg/dL