Critical Lab Values Nursing Fundamental Students Must Know Flashcards
What does BUN stand for in laboratory values?
Blood Urea Nitrogen
What is the normal range for BUN levels in adults?
7 to 20 mg/dL
True or False: Elevated BUN levels can indicate kidney dysfunction.
True
What does a high BUN level suggest about a patient’s hydration status?
It may indicate dehydration.
What are platelets primarily responsible for in the body?
Blood clotting
What is the normal range for platelet count?
150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood
Fill in the blank: A low platelet count is known as __________.
thrombocytopenia
True or False: A high bilirubin level can lead to jaundice.
True
What is the normal total bilirubin range in adults?
0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL
What does elevated glucose levels indicate?
Possible hyperglycemia or diabetes
What is the normal fasting glucose level range?
70 to 99 mg/dL
What is the critical level for glucose that requires immediate intervention?
Less than 40 mg/dL or greater than 400 mg/dL
What is lithium commonly used to treat?
Bipolar disorder
What is the therapeutic range for lithium levels?
0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
True or False: Monitoring lithium levels is important to avoid toxicity.
True
What are the signs of lithium toxicity?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, confusion
What is digoxin primarily used for?
Heart failure and atrial fibrillation
What is the therapeutic range for digoxin levels?
0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL
Fill in the blank: Digoxin toxicity can cause __________ disturbances.
electrolyte
What is a critical sign of digoxin toxicity?
Bradycardia
What lab tests are important for monitoring liver function?
Bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP
What can a sudden drop in platelet count indicate?
Possible bleeding disorder or bone marrow issue
True or False: BUN levels can be affected by protein intake.
True
What is the relationship between glucose levels and insulin?
Insulin lowers glucose levels in the blood.
