Lab Values Flashcards
WBC
White blood cell count
Indicates fx status of immune system
5,000-10,000 uL
Leukocytosis
High WBC
Due to acute/chronic infection or malignancy
Leukopenia
Low WBC
Disease of immune system or radiation/chemo
WBC implication for tx
> 11,000 may have decreased tolerance to activity
<5,000 w/ fever - consider postponing due to risk of infection
Hct
Hemotcrit - vol of RBC in whole blood
Eval Armenia and abnormal state of hydration
Male 42-52%
Female 37-47%
Increased Hct
Tobacco use, severe Lung disease
Decreased Hct
Anemia or hemodilution
Hct implications for tax
Low: weakness, fatigue, DOE, tachycardia
25-30% consider modifying tx
<25% consider postponing tx
Frequent vital monitoring and rest period recommended
Hb
Hemoglobin- reflects O2 carrying component of RBC - indicates severity of anemia
Male: 14-18 g/dL
Female: 12-16 g/dL
Hb levels
Increased: smokers and lung disease
Decreased: anemia
Hb implications for tax
8-10 g/dL —> modify due to reduced exercise capacity
<8 g/dL—>consider postponing tax
Plts
Platelets - clotting process, bleeding stopped and would healing begins
150,000-400,000
Thrombocytosis
High Plt count
Iron deficiency, neoplasm, inflammation, infection
Thrombocytopenia
Low Plt count
Liver disease, platelet disorders, viral infection
Plts implication for tx
-low levels, bleeding can occur form mucosal surfaces w/ inor truama
-20,000-50,000 light AROM if asymptomatic; gait training as tolerated, no resistive
<20,000 NO TX!!
Na
Sodium - electrolyte important in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, cell fx
Changes cause cells to shrink or swell
136-145 mEq/L
Hypernatremia
Increased NA
> 160 mEq/L
Hyponatremia
Decreased Na
<120 mEq/L
Na levels affected by
Diuretics, diarrhea, CHF
Na implications for tx
Be aware of potential symtpoms when Na is LOW:
Weakness, confusion, stupor, hypotension, seizures, edema, weight gain
K
Potassium - electrolyte important for muscle and nerve conduction
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Hyperkalemia
Increased K - due to kidney disease or certain meds
Can produce EEG changes, nausea, diarrhea
Hypokalemia
Decreased K - caused by diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration
Can lead to dangerous ventricular arrhythmia, cardiac irritability, dizziness, hypotension
K implications for tx
Minor changes can have sig consequence for cardiac fx.
Pts w/ abnormal K should be seen for tx after the levels have been corrected