Lab Values Flashcards

1
Q

what to consider when looking at lab values

A
  • do not rely on a single lab value, look at trends across multiple samples
  • consider time of day specimen was drawn, drug interactions, recent meals, intravenous infusions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

PT considerations (risks/benefits)

A
  • prior to intervention, anticipate physiological changes to occur if the lab is not in a typical range for pt
  • risk level increases if lab values is in critical ranges
  • must collaborate with members of team for risk/benefit of PT
  • may require a conditional order to be placed to ensure communication and approval by medical staff if to proceed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

require more conservative approach due to pt’s ability to compensate in a short period of time

A

acute lab values

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

examples of acute changes in lab values

A

blood loss, trauma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

allow the pt time to compensate, may still have capability to respond to exercise/mobility demands

A

chronic lab values

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

examples of chronic changes in lab values

A

patients with CFH/COPD, cancer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

lab values may have referenced ranges for

A

age and sex (assigned at birth)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

is pt is on hormone replacement therapy, use ______ to determine reference ranges/values

A

transitioned gender

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

if the pt is not on hormone replacement therapy, use _____ to determine reference ranges/values

A

biological sex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

can lead to differences in reactivity of DNA, proteins, cells and antibodies use in many lab tests

A

genetic heterogeneity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

african americans have increased what compared to Caucasians

A

muscle mass and skeletal structure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what to african americans have increased levels of

A

higher serum total protein levels, higher serums levels of alpha/beta/gamma globulins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

african americans tend to have lower what

A

levels of hemoglobin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

what lab values may be altered in pts with sickle hemoglobin

A

HgbA1c (A1C)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

evaluates RBS, WBC, and platelets

A

complete blood count (CBC)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

where is CBC drawn from

A

peripheral vein

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

looks more closely at components of the cell (provide examples)

A

CBC with differentials (CBC with diff)
- mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- WBC: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

where are stem cells created

A

bone marrow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

formation of stems cells into RBC, WBC or platelets (PLT)

A

hematopoesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

deliver oxygen to tissues

A

RBC/erythrocyte

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

is the measurement of percentage of whole blood occupied by cells

A

hematocrit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

RBCs contain _____ which is the iron containing protein

A

hemoglobin (Hb)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

primary goal is to fight infection

A

WBC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

list WBC granulocytes

A

neutrophils
eosinophils
basophils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

kill bacteria via phagocytosis; make up 58% of WBC

A

neutrophils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

kill parasites, role in allergic disorders; make up 2% of WBC

A

eosinophils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

role in allergies, release histamine and heparin; 1% of WBC

A

basophils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

list WBC agranulocytes

A

monocytes
lymphocytes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

differentiate into macrophages and ingest bacteria; 4% of WBC

A

monocytes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

list the different types of lympocytes

A

t lymphocytes
helper t
memory t
suppressor t
b lymphocytes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

cell-mediated immunity

A

t lymphocytes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

orchestrate immune response, stimulate B cells to form antibodies, stimulate cytotoxic T cells and activate macrophages

A

helper T

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

preserve memory of previous antigens

A

memory T

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

modulate intensity of immune response

A

suppressor T

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

produce antibodies; 33% of WBC

A

b lymphocytes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

the real number of WBC that are neutrophils

A

absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

how to measure absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

A
  • not measured directly
  • derived by multiplying the WBC count times the percent of neutrophils in the differential WBC count
  • % of neutrophils consists of segmented (fully mature neutrophils) + the bands (almost mature neutrophils)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

what is the normal range of ANC

A

1.5 - 8.0 (1500-8000/mm3)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

an ANC level of _____ is considered low –> activity restrictions/infection precautions in place (masks, gown, gloves to protect pt)

A

< 500

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

reference values for WBC

A

5.0-10.0 10^9/L

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

trending upward WBC lab value

A

leukocytosis >11.0 10^9/L

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

causes/presention/clinical implications of leukocytosis (trending upward WBC)

A
  • infection, leukemia, neoplasm, trauma, surgery, sickle-cell disease, stress/pain, medication-induced, smoking, obesity, congenital, chronic inflammation, connective tissue disease
  • ## fever, malaise, lethargy, dizziness, bleeding, bruising, unintentional weight loss, lymphadenpathy, painful inflamed joints
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

trending downards WBC lab values

A
  • leukopenia <4.0 10^9/L
  • neutropenia <1.5 10^9/L (moderate 0.5-1; severe < 0.5)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

causes/presentation/clinical implications of neutropenia (trending downward WBC)

A
  • stem cell disorder, bacterial infection, viral infection, radiation
  • low grade fever, skin abscesses, sore mouth, sx of pnemonia
45
Q

causes/presentation/clinical implications of leukopenia (trending downward WBC)

A
  • viral infections, chemotherapy, aplastic anemia, autoimmune disease, hepatitis
  • ## anemia, weakness, fatigue, fever, headache, SOB
46
Q

essential component of hemostasis/clotting mechanism

A

platelets

47
Q

adhere to disruptions of endothelial lining of a wound, then to each other to form a plug; also promote aggregation and activation of more platelets and increase the size of plug

A

platelets

48
Q

normal PLT values

A

140 - 400 k/uL

49
Q

trending upward lab values for platelets

A

thrombocytosis > 450 uk/L

50
Q

trending downward lab values for platelets

A

thrombocytopenia <150 uk/L

51
Q

causes/presentation/clinical implications of thrombocytosis (trending upward PLTs)

A
  • splenectomy, inflammation, neoplasm/cancer, stress, iron deficiency, infection, hemorrhage, hemolysis, high altitudes, strenuous exercise, trauma
  • weakness, headache, dizziness, chest pain, tingling in hands/feet
  • sx based approach for activities, monitor sx, collaborate with team; elevated levels can lead to venous thromboembolism
52
Q

causes/presentation/clinical implications of thrombocytopenia (trending downward PLTs)

A
  • viral infection, nutrition deficiency, leukemia, radiation, chemotherapy, malignant cancer, liver disease, aplastic anemia, premenstrual and postpatum
  • petechiae, ecchymosis, fatigue, jaundice, splenomegaly, risk for bleeding
  • severe thrombocytopenia (<20 k/uL): sx based approach for activity; collaborate regarding possible need for/timing of transfusion prior to mobilization; fall risk awareness (risk for spontaneous hemorrhage)
53
Q

protein in RBC that carries oxygen to our organs and tissues and transports CO2 from organs/tissue to lungs

A

hemoglobin

54
Q

hemoglobin trending upward

A

polycythemia

55
Q

hemoglobin trending downward

A

anemia

56
Q

normal hemoglobin values for M and F

A

M: 14 - 18 g/dl
F: 12 - 16 g/dl

57
Q

causes/presentation/clinical implications of polycythemia (trending upward hemoglobin)

A
  • congenital heart disease, severe dehydration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), CHF, severe burns, high altitude
  • orthostasis, presyncope, dizziness, arrhythmias, CHF onset/exacerbation, sx of transient ischemic attack (TIA), sx of MI, angina
  • sx based approach, monitor sx, collaborate
58
Q

what are low critical values of hemoglobin and what can it lead to

A

<5-7 g/dL
heart failure or death

59
Q

what are high critical values of hemoglobin and what can it lead to

A

> 20 gd/L
clogging of capillaries as a result of hemoconcentration

60
Q

do hemoglobin levels slightly increase or decrease with age

A

slightly decrease

61
Q

causes/presentation/clinical implications for anemia (trending downward hemoglobin)

A
  • hemorrhage, nutritional deficiency, neoplasia, lymphoma, systemic lupus, sarcoidosis, renal disease, spenomegaly, sickle cell anemia, stress to bone marrow, RBC destruction
  • decreased endurance, decreased activity tolerance, pallor, tachycardia
  • monitor vitals and SpO2 to predict tissue perfusion (may present with tachycardia or orthostatic hypotension); may be monitoring pre-existing cerebrovascular/cardiac/renal conditions for ineffective tissue perfusion; , 8g/dL sx based approach, may need transfusion depending on institution
62
Q

what is the level of hemoglobin that may require transfusion and require stop of activity

A

8 g/dL

63
Q

blood test that measures the percentage of RBCs in blood

A

hematocrit

64
Q

what protein do RBC contain that help to pick up O2 from your lungs and transport it t/o your body

A

hemaglobin

65
Q

hematocrit trending upward

A

polycythemia

66
Q

hematocrit trending downward

A

anemia

67
Q

what are the reference values for hematocrit (M and F)

A

M: 42-52%
F: 37-47%
multiple hemoglobin levels by 3 to find

68
Q

causes of polycythemia

A

burns, eclampsia, severe dehydration, erythrocytosis, tends to be elevated in people living in high altitudes, hypoxia due to chronic pulmonary conditions (COPD, CHF)

69
Q

presentation of hematocrit polycythemia

A

fever, HA, dizzy, weakness, fatigue, easy bruising/bleeding

70
Q

low critical value of hematocit and what can it lead to

A

<25% - cardiac failure or death

71
Q

high critical value of hematocrit and what can it lead to

A

> 60% - spontaneous blood clotting

72
Q

causes of anemia hematocrit

A

leukemia, bone marrow failure, multiple myeloma, dietary deficiency, pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemorrhage, high altitude

73
Q

presentation of anemia hematocrit

A

pale skin, HA, dizziness, cold hands/feet, chest pain, arrhythmia, SOB

74
Q

clinical implications of hematocrit anemia

A
  • pt may have impaired endurance –> progress activity slowly
  • monitor SpO2 for tissue perfusion, may have tachycardia and/or orthostatic hypotension
  • medical team may monitor pre-existing cerebrovascular, cardiac, or renal conditions for ineffective tissue perfusion related to decreased hematocrit
75
Q

describe the importance of sodium

A

Primary determinant of extracellular fluid volume
Allows for conduction of N impulses
Plays a role in muscle contractions
The kidneys maintain an appropriate amount of sodium in the body by adjusting the amount excreted in urine
Sources of Sodium: food/drinks
Lost: by sweat/urine
Older individuals can have difficulty maintaining appropriate sodium concentrations secondary to dehydration, medications, decreased fluid volume and changes in the kidneys
Part of electrolyte panel

76
Q

normal range of sodium

A

134-142

77
Q

hypernatremia

A

upward trending sodium

78
Q

describe hypernatremia

A

> 145
Causes: Increased sodium intake, Severe vomiting, CHF, Renal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, Diabetes
Presentation: Irritability, agitation, seizure, coma, hypotension, tachycardia, decreased urinary output
Clinical Implications: Impaired cognitive status, seizure precautions

79
Q

hyponatremia

A

downward trending sodium

80
Q

describe hyponatremia

A

< 130
Causes: Dietetic use, gastrointestinal impairment, burns/wounds, hypotonic IV use, cirrhosis

Presentation: HA, lethargic, decreased reflexes, N/V, diarrhea, seizure, coma, orthostatic hypotension, pitting edema

Clinical: Impaired cognitive status
Monitor vitals secondary to risk for orthostatic hypotension

81
Q

describe potassium

A

Important function of excitable cells (N, muscles, and heart)
Plays important role in cardiac function!!
Works with sodium to maintain appropriate fluid balance in body
Supports normal blood pressure
Both high and low potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrest
Sources: food and electrolyte drinks
Lost: urine
Part of electrolyte panel

82
Q

normal range potassium

A

3.7-5.1

83
Q

describe hyperkalemia

A

> 5.5
Causes: Renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), addison’s disease, excess potassium supplements, blood transfusion

Presentation: Muscle weakness/paralysis, paresthesia, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, heart block, ventricular fibrillation

Clinical: Pt at risk for cardiac issues if > 5: sx based approach, Might exhibit muscle weakness during interventions

84
Q

hypokalemia

A

downward trending potassium

85
Q

hyperkalemia

A

upward trending potassium

86
Q

describe hypokalemia

A

Causes: Diarrhea/vomiting, gastrointestinal impairment, diuretics, cushing’s syndrome, malnutrition, restrictive diet, ETOH abuse

Presentation: Extremity muscle weakness, decreased reflexes, paresthesia, leg cramps, EKG changes, cardiac arrest, hypotension, constipation

Clinical: Sx-based approach
Severe hypokalemia <2.5 → collaborate with interprofessional team

87
Q

describe calcium

A

Important for bone/tooth formation, cell division and growth, blood coagulation, mm cx, normal heart function, and release of neurotransmitters
About 99% of calcium is stored in bones
Calcium moved from bone to blood as needed → too much moved can cause bones to become weak
Regulated by 2 Hormones: parathyroid hormone and calcitonin
Part of electrolyte panel

88
Q

normal range of calcium

A

8.6-10.3

89
Q

hypercalcemia

A

upward trending calcium

90
Q

describe hypercalcemia

A

Causes: Excessive calcium/antacids, bone destruction (tumor), immobilization, fx, excessive vitamin D, cancer, renal failure

presentation: Ventricular dysrhythmias, heart block, asystole, coma, lethargy, mm weakness, decreased reflexes, constipation, N/V

Clinical implications: sx-based

91
Q

hypocalcemia

A

downward trending calcium

92
Q

describe hypocalcemia

A

Causes: ETOH abuse, poor dietary intake, limited GI absorption, pancreatitis, laxative use

presentation: Anxiety, confusion, agitation, seizure, EKG changes, fatigue, numbness/tingling, increased reflexes, muscle cramps

clinical: Might have impaired cognitive abilities
Sx-based approach

93
Q

describe chloride

A

Important for fluid/acid-base balance
Helps maintain blood pressure
Plays a role in digestion of food → stimulates secretion of hydrochloric acid in stomach
Plays a role in mm contraction and movement of N impulses
Mainly found in table salt
Excreted through urine
Part of electrolyte panel

94
Q

normal range chloride

A

98-108

95
Q

hyperchloremia

A

upward trending chloride

96
Q

describe hyperchloremia

A

causes: High salt/low water diet, hypertonic IV, metabolic acidosis, renal failure

presentation: Lethargy, decreased levels of consciousness, weakness, edema, tachypnea, HTN, tachycardia

clinical: Determine if appropriate for tx is exhibiting decreased levels of consciousness

97
Q

hypochloremia

A

downward trending chloride

98
Q

describe hypochloremia

A

causes: Low salt diet, water intoxication, diuresis, excessive vomiting/diarrhea

presentation: Agitation, irritability, hypertonicity, increased reflexes, cramping, twitching

clinical: Monitor level of consciousness and motor function

99
Q

describe phosphate

A

Necessary for: bone formation, acid-base balance, storage and transfer of energy (ATP)
Kidneys are the primary excretion of phosphorus
Imbalance may result due to: dietary intake, GI disorders, excretion by the kidneys
Sources: seafood, lentils, dairy, poultry

100
Q

normal range phosphate

A

2.3-4.1

101
Q

hyperphosphatemia

A

upward trending phosphate

102
Q

describe hyperphosphatemia

A

causes: Bone destruction (tumor), immobilization, fx, excessive vitamin D, cancer, renal failure

presentation: Ventricular dysrthmia, heart block, asystole, coma, lethargy, mm weakness, decreased reflexes, constipation, N/V

clinical: sx-based

103
Q

hypophosphatemia

A

downward trending phosphate

104
Q

describe hypophosphatemia

A

causes: ETOH abuse, poor dietary intake, limited GI absorption, pancreatitis, laxative use

presentation: Anxiety, confusion, agitation, seizure, EKG changes, fatigue, N/T, increased reflexes, mm cramps

clinical implications: impaired cognition, sx-based

105
Q

describe magnesium

A

Concentrated in bone and muscle
Involved in: ATP metabolism, cx and relaxation of mm, proper neurological functioning, neurotransmitter release
Regulated by kidneys
Sources: pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, spinach, black beans

106
Q

normal range magnesium

A

1.2-1.9

107
Q

hypermagnesium

A

upward trending magnesium

108
Q

describe hypermagnesium

A

causes: Increased intake antacids/magnesium citrate, renal failure, leukemia, dehydration

presentation: Diaphoresis, N/V, drowsiness, lethargy, weakness/flaccidity, decreased reflexes, hypotension, heart block

clinical implications: sx-based

109
Q

hypomagnesium and describe it

A

downward trending magnesium

causes: ETOH abuse, eating disorders, diuresis, DKA, medications

present: Increased reflexes, tremors, spasticity, seizures, nystagmus, EKG changs (premature ventricular contraction PVC → v-tach → v-fib), emotional lability

clinical: sx-based