In cholestasis, which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect in a pregnant client?

In cholestasis, especially when considering a pregnant patient, jaundice is a key clinical manifestation that the nurse would expect to observe. Cholestasis refers to a condition where there is a decrease in bile flow, leading to a buildup of bile salts and bilirubin in the bloodstream.

In pregnant women, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can develop, which is characterized by symptoms such as itching, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice occurs because the elevated bilirubin levels in the blood accumulate as a result of the impaired hepatic function and reduced bile excretion.

Other options, while they might present in different medical situations, do not typically correlate with cholestasis. Hypotension, for example, may arise from various causes unrelated to bile flow or liver function. Hyperglycemia is more often associated with conditions like diabetes or gestational diabetes rather than cholestasis. Bradycardia, a low heart rate, is not a direct result of cholestasis and could indicate other cardiac or neurological issues. Therefore, jaundice stands out as the correct manifestation to be observed in a case of cholestasis during pregnancy.