Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A pregnant client in her second trimester with a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dLA pregnant client in her second trimester has a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL. The nurse interprets this as indicating
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Hemodilution of pregnancy occurs as plasma volume increases more than red blood cell mass, lowering hemoglobin to 10.5-14 g/dL in the second trimester, which includes 11 g/dL. Multiple gestation may raise hemoglobin, weight gain doesn't affect it, and iron-deficiency anemia typically shows lower hemoglobin with symptoms like fatigue.