Lab Values Flashcards
What does creatine measure, what are normal levels, what can cause a decrease?
- Creatine measures kidney function and protein status.
- Normal levels are 0.8–1.5 mg/dL.
- Malnutrition decreases creatine levels, indicating impaired kidney function and protein status.
How does malnutrition affect creatine levels?
Malnutrition decreases creatine levels, indicating impaired kidney function and protein status.
What is serum albumin, and what role does it play in the body?
- Serum albumin is the most abundant plasma protein produced by the liver.
- It regulates water flow between plasma and interstitial space.
- Decreased levels lead to edema.
What are normal serum albumin levels, and what do low levels indicate?
- Normal levels are at least 3.5 mg/dL.
- Low levels correlate with increased severity of pressure ulcers and are associated with conditions like infection, liver/kidney disease, malabsorption, and starvation.
How is albumin affected by dehydration, and why is it not a good short-term nutritional marker?
High levels of albumin usually indicate dehydration, and its 21-day half-life makes it ineffective for assessing short-term diet changes.
What is prealbumin, and what are its normal values?
- Prealbumin is a major transport protein with normal values of 16–40 mg/dL.
- It has a short half-life (2-4 days), making it sensitive to short-term changes in nutritional status.
How do low prealbumin levels affect patient outcomes, and what conditions can cause low prealbumin levels?
- Low prealbumin levels increase mortality risk and may indicate liver disease, inflammation, or tissue death.
- Levels below 17 mg/dL suggest malnutrition.
What are the differences between low and high prealbumin scores?
- Low scores may indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
- High scores may suggest chronic kidney disease, steroid use, or alcoholism.
What is C-reactive protein (CRP), and what does its increase indicate?
CRP increases with systemic inflammation, making it a marker for inflammatory conditions.
How is serum cholesterol used to assess pressure ulcer risk, and what are the critical levels?
Serum cholesterol levels below 160 mg/dL, combined with poor intake and weight loss, increase the risk for pressure ulcers.
What are the normal and critical levels for hemoglobin and hematocrit, and how are they linked to anemia and pressure ulcers?
- Hemoglobin below 12 mg/dL, and hematocrit below 33% indicate anemia, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.
What lab values monitor anticoagulant therapies, and which medications do they correspond to?
- INR monitors Coumadin
- PTT monitors Heparin
- PT monitors non-steroidal drugs like Aspirin and Lovenox
What is Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), what are its normal levels, and what are elevated levels are associated with?
- BUN measures urea, a by-product of protein metabolism, and indicates renal function.
- Normal levels are 5–25 mg/dL.
- Elevated levels are associated with decreased wound healing.
How do elevated BUN levels affect wound healing?
Elevated BUN levels are associated with decreased wound healing, due to impaired renal function.
What does Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC) indicate, and what are normal levels?
- Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC) is an indirect measure of nutritional status and immune function
- Normal levels between 3000–3500 cells/mcL
What causes elevated or decreased TLC levels, and what are the implications for wound healing?
- Elevated TLC may indicate infection or leukemia.
- While decreased TLC (<1800/mm³) is linked to chemotherapy, malnutrition, or surgery, causing delayed wound healing.
How are decreased TLC levels classified, and what are the thresholds for immunocompromised and protein deficiency states?
- <1500 indicates immunocompromised status
- <1200 suggests protein deficiency
- <900 indicates severe deficiency
What is the goal for blood glucose levels, and what are normal levels?
- The goal is to keep blood glucose below 150 mg/dL
- Normal levels ranging from 70–110 mg/dL
How do elevated blood glucose levels impact ulceration risk and wound healing?
- Levels above 180 mg/dL impair neutrophil chemotaxis.
- Levels above 200 mg/dL affect neutrophil oxidative burst, increasing the risk of ulceration and delayed wound healing.
What is glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and what does it indicate?
- HbA1C measures glucose binding to hemoglobin, reflecting average blood glucose levels over 2-3 months.
- Normal HbA1C levels are 4–6.1%.
What are the implications of high HbA1C levels in wound healing?
- High HbA1C levels (>6.1%) indicate poor long-term glucose control, increasing the risk for impaired wound healing.
What lab values are used to assess hydration status?
Hydration Status:
- serum osmolality
- hematocrit
- urine specific gravity
What serum osmolality level indicates dehydration, and why is it important for wound care?
- Serum osmolality above 29 mOsm/L suggests dehydration, which can complicate wound healing.
What is Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), and how is it used in heparin therapy?
- PTT measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy, ensuring proper anticoagulation levels.
What are the effects of elevated serum cholesterol on pressure ulcer development?
- Elevated serum cholesterol (>200 mg/dL) contributes to atherosclerosis, limiting blood flow and increasing ulcer risk.
