Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the expected lab finding in a patient undergoing treatment for an inevitable abortion?

1. High leukocyte count

2. Mild anemia

3. Hyperglycemia

4. Low platelet count

The correct answer is: Mild anemia

In the case of an inevitable abortion, the body undergoes physiological changes as it prepares for the termination of the pregnancy. One expected laboratory finding during this process is mild anemia. This can happen due to several factors, including possible blood loss associated with the abortion. As the fetus is expelled and the uterine lining breaks down, it can lead to mild bleeding, resulting in a decrease in red blood cell counts. Mild anemia can manifest as a reduced hemoglobin level, which may be more pronounced if significant blood loss occurs. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is important during this time to assess the patient's overall health and need for possible interventions. The other options do not align with typical lab findings associated with inevitable abortion. For instance, a high leukocyte count would suggest the presence of infection or inflammation, which is not a standard finding in the absence of complications. Similarly, hyperglycemia would not be expected in this scenario unless there are other underlying conditions unrelated to the abortion itself. Lastly, a low platelet count is not usually related to inevitable abortion and could indicate other medical problems needing separate evaluation.