ABGs, Understanding Basic Lab Results Flashcards
1
Q
Purpose of Understanding Basic Laboratory Tests
A
- establishing diagnosis
- rule out clinical problem (eliminate presence of disease)
- monitor course of illness and response to treatment
- check prognosis
- screen for disease
- check drug therapeutic level and toxicity
2
Q
Nursing Responsibilities
A
- Know and understand laboratory tests
- Maintain Universal Precautions
- Educate patients
- Identify patients
- Follow guidelines/protocols for specimen collections and reporting.
- Know supplies/equipment (esp. if nurse is drawing blood from central line)
- Know interfering factors
- Monitor results
- Report abnormal results (maintain privacy)
- Documentation
3
Q
Basic Chemistry Panel
A
- sodium (Na)
- potassium (K)
- chloride (Cl)
- CO2
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatine
4
Q
Indications: Chemistry Panel
A
- Cardiac, Respiratory, GI, Renal, Endocrine, Metabolic, &/or Neuro diseases
- Burns
- Electrolyte imbalances/abnormalities
- Acid-Base balance status
- Malnutrition
- Hydration status (dehydration)
- Effects of drug therapy
- Pre-op
- Baseline assessment
5
Q
CBC and Differential
A
- RBC Count
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- RBC indices
- WBC count and differentials
- Platelet count
6
Q
Indications: CBC w/ diff.
A
- Hematologic (blood) disorders
- Cardiac, Renal, Liver, or Lung diseases
- Neoplasm (cancer)
- Leukemia
- Infection
- Autoimmune diseases or immunologic abnormality
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Dietary deficiency
- Dehydration
- Pre-op & post-op
- Baseline assessment
- Blood loss
- Pregnancy
- Monitor response to chemo (evaluate undesired reactions to drugs)
7
Q
Liver Panel, Liver Functions Tests (LFTs)
A
- Bilirubin
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidse)
- 5’ Nucleotidase
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
8
Q
Indications: LFTs
A
- Liver disease
- Hepatic tumor, necrosis, or ischemia
- Hepatoxic drugs, ETOH use
- Drugs for cholesterol or hyperlipidemia
- Trauma
- Obstructive jaundice
- Gallbladder or Pancreatic disease
- Pregnancy
- Preop
- Baseline data
9
Q
Lipid Panel, Lipid Profile
A
Patient must be FASTING!
- Cholesterol
- HDL
- LDL
- VLDL
- Triglycerides
10
Q
Indications: Lipid Panel
A
- Family history of hypertriglyceridemia
- Hyperlipidemias
- Cardiac disorders (also used to evaluate risk for cardiac disease)
- Renal Failure
- Diabetes Mellitus
- High fat or high carbohydrate diet
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Thyroid disorders
- Malnutrition
11
Q
Coagulation Panel
A
- PT (protime)
- PTT (partial thromboplastin time)
- Bleeding Time
- Platelet Count (see CBC)
12
Q
Indications: Coag Panel
A
- Monitor drug effects (heparin, warfarin)
- Drug overdoses (anticoagulants, antiinflammatories)
- Embolism
- Bleeding or Clotting disorders
- Vit. K deficiency
- Bleeding disorders
- Renal or Liver disorder (cirrhosis)
- Bone marrow failure
- Massive blood transfusion
13
Q
Other Tests
A
- thyroid panel
- renal panel, renal function tests
- UA (urinalysis)
14
Q
Urinalysis (UA)
A
Appearance Color pH Protein Specific Gravity (SG) Leukocyte esterase Nitrites Bilirubin Casts Glucose WBC
15
Q
Acid-Base Disorders
A
-must maintain homeostasis
