Lab Values 1 Flashcards
What is a reference range?
interval between and including lower and upper value limits for 95% of a selected population
Significance of a reference range
allows you to evaluate patient’s results by looking at the range
What is the critical value?
- need for immediate medical interpretation
- usually set by the provider or facility
What should you do if a patient has the critical value for a lab?
- do not pass go!
- tell the doc!
Hgb =
hemoglobin
What level of hemoglobin (Hgb) may be grounds for bedrest?
6
General acceptable range of Hg (men)
13-15 g/dL
General acceptable range of Hg (women)
12-14 g/dL
General acceptable ranges of oxygen levels: normal
95-99%
If oxygen level is lower than 90%, what should you do?
proceed with caution
Low RBC count suggests:
anemia
What do we use to determine anemia?
- hemoglobin
- hematocrit
Low hemoglobin can produce signs in these organs
- brain
- heart
- kidneys
low hemoglobin: brain
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- presyncope
- syncope
- signs of TIA/CVA
low hemoglobin: heart signs
- angina
- MI
- sudden or slow onset of CHF
- arrhythmias