What laboratory study should a nurse anticipate when a client reports using cocaine during her current pregnancy?

When a client reports using cocaine during her current pregnancy, a urine toxicology study is essential for several reasons. Firstly, cocaine is a substance that can be detected in urine, making urine toxicology an appropriate and practical test to confirm recent use. This type of screening can help healthcare providers assess potential risks to both the mother and the fetus due to substance exposure.

Detecting cocaine use is crucial in prenatal care because it can have severe implications for the developing fetus, including growth restrictions and neurological impairments. Additionally, the results from urine toxicology studies can guide healthcare professionals in formulating a suitable and thorough plan for treatment and support.

While blood glucose levels, liver function tests, and complete blood counts can provide valuable information regarding a patient's overall health, they are not specific to the assessment of cocaine use. These tests may be relevant if there are concerns about complications related to substance use, but they do not directly address the urgent need to identify and confirm the presence of cocaine.