Interpretating Blood Tests Flashcards
What does ABG stand for?
Arterial Blood Gas
True or False: ABGs are used to assess oxygenation and acid-base status.
True
What is the normal range for arterial pH?
7.35 to 7.45
Fill in the blank: A pH less than 7.35 indicates __________.
acidosis
What does the PaO2 measure in an ABG?
Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood
What is the normal range for PaCO2?
35 to 45 mmHg
True or False: A high level of PaCO2 indicates respiratory alkalosis.
False
What is the primary function of electrolytes in the body?
To maintain fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve function
What does U+Es stand for?
Urea and Electrolytes
What is the normal range for serum sodium levels?
135 to 145 mmol/L
Fill in the blank: Hypernatremia refers to __________ sodium levels.
elevated
What is the normal range for serum potassium levels?
3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L
True or False: Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
True
What does LFT stand for?
Liver Function Tests
Which enzyme is commonly measured in LFTs to assess liver injury?
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
What is the normal range for ALT?
7 to 56 units/L
Fill in the blank: Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels may indicate __________.
cholestasis or biliary obstruction
What is the primary purpose of measuring bilirubin in LFTs?
To assess liver function and hemolysis
What is the normal range for total bilirubin?
0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL
True or False: A high level of creatinine indicates impaired kidney function.
True
What is the normal range for serum creatinine?
0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL
Fill in the blank: The anion gap is calculated to help determine the cause of __________.
metabolic acidosis
What is the formula for calculating the anion gap?
Na+ - (Cl- + HCO3-)
What does a high anion gap indicate?
Presence of unmeasured anions, often due to metabolic acidosis
What is the normal range for bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood?
22 to 28 mmol/L
True or False: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high bicarbonate level.
True
What is one common cause of respiratory acidosis?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What is the significance of measuring lactate levels?
To assess tissue hypoxia and lactic acidosis
What is the normal range for serum lactate?
0.5 to 2.2 mmol/L
Fill in the blank: A low albumin level can indicate __________.
liver disease or nephrotic syndrome