RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1381 of 2368

A client with HELLP syndrome reports pain in the shoulder when breathing in. Blood pressure is 84/50 mmHg, heart rate is 124/min, and the abdomen is distended. What does the nurse suspect?

  1. Expected postpartum discomfort
  2. Mild preeclampsia symptoms
  3. Hepatic bleeding with possible rupture
  4. A urinary tract infection
Show answer

Correct answer: Hepatic bleeding with possible rupture

Severe pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and abdominal distension, with pain on inspiration or in the shoulder, indicate hepatic bleeding or rupture.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), High-risk Perinatal Client Care: HELLP Syndrome. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026