Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

MedSurg Nursing; N1110 > Lab Values > Flashcards

Lab Values Flashcards

1
Q

What is the normal range for potassium?

A

3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L

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

What is the normal range for sodium?

A

136 - 145 mEq/L

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

What is the normal range for calcium?

A

9.0 - 10.5 mg/dL

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

What is the normal range for glucose?

A

70 - 100 mg/dL

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

What is the normal range for creatinine?

A

0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL

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

What is the normal range for blood urea nitrogen?

A

10 - 20 mg/dL

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

What is the normal range for chloride?

A

98 - 106 mEq/L

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

What is the normal range for total CO2 (Carbon Dioxide Content)?

A

23 - 30 mEq/L

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

What is the normal value for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)?

A

> 60 mL/min

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

When is sodium considered critically low?

A

< 120 mEq/L

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

When is sodium considered critically high?

A

> 160mEq/L

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

When is potassium considered critically low?

A

< 3.0 mEq/L

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

When is potassium considered critically high?

A

> 6.1 mEq/L

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

When is glucose considered critically low?

A

< 40 mg/dL

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

When is glucose considered critically high?

A

> 450 mg/dL

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

What is the normal range for total protein?

A

6.4 - 8.3 mg/dL

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

What is the normal range for albumin?

A

3.5 - 5.0 g/dL

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

What is the normal range for bilirubin?

A

0.3 - 1.0 mg/dL

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

What is the normal range for Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)?

A

30 - 120 units/L

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

What is the normal range for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)?

A

0 - 35 units/L

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

What is the normal range for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)?

A

4 - 36 units/L

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

What is the normal range for White Blood Cells (WBC)?

A

5,000 - 10,000/mm^3
or
5 - 10 x 10^9/L

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

What is the normal range for Red Blood Cells (RBC)?

A

4.2 - 6.1 x 10^12/L

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

What is the normal range for Hemoglobin (Hgb)?

A

12.0 - 18.0 g/dL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is the normal range for Hematocrit (Hct)?
37% - 52%
26
What is the normal range for Platelets?
150.000 - 400,000/mm^3 or 150 - 400 x 10^9/L
27
What is the normal range for Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)?
60 - 70 seconds
28
What is the normal range for Prothrombin Time (PT)?
11 - 12.5 seconds
29
What is the normal range for International Normalized Ratio (INR)?
0.8 - 1.1
30
What is the therapeutic range for Internation Normalized Ratio (INR)?
2.0 - 3.0
31
What is the normal value for High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)?
> 45 mg/dL
32
What is the normal value for Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)?
< 130 mg/dL
33
What is the normal range for Triglycerides?
40 - 160 mg/dL
34
What is the normal value for Total Cholesterol?
< 200 mg/dL
35
What is the normal range for magnesium?
1.6 - 2.6 mEq/L
36
What is the normal range for phosphorus?
3.0 - 4.5 mg/dL
37
What is the normal range for Hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C)?
4 - 6%
38
What is the normal range for Ammonia?
10 - 80 mcg/dL
39
What is the normal value for Troponin?
< 0.017 ng/mL
40
What is the normal range for BNP?
< 100 pg/mL
41
What is the normal range for Digoxin?
0.8 - 2.0 ng/mL
42
What is the normal value for D-Dimer?
< 500 ng/mL
43
What is the normal value for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?
< 20 mm/hr
44
What is the normal value for C-Reactive Protein (CRP)?
< 10 mg/dL
45
What is the normal value for Creatinine Clearance?
~ (about) 120 mL/min
46
When are White Blood Cells (WBCs) considered critically high?
> 40,000 mm^3
47
When are White Blood Cells (WBCs) considered critically low?
< 2,000 mm^3
48
What labs are included in a lipid panel?
HDL LDL Total Cholesterol Triglycerides
49
What labs are included in a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)?
``` Sodium Potassium Chloride Total CO2 Glucose Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Creatinine eGFR Total Calcium Anion Gap ```
50
What labs are included in a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)?
``` All labs from a BMP: Sodium Potassium Chloride Total CO2 Glucose Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Creatinine eGFR Total Calcium Anion Gap ``` ``` And then labs to evaluate how well the liver is working: ALP AST ALT Total Protein Albumin Bilirubin ```
51
What labs are included in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
``` White Blood Cells Red Blood Cells Hemoglobin Hematocrit Platelet Count ```
52
What labs are included in a Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC w/ Diff)?
``` All labs from a CBC: White Blood Cells Red Blood Cells Hemoglobin Hematocrit Platelet Count ``` ``` And then labs to analyze white blood cell production: Neutrophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Eosinophils Basophils ```
53
What labs will tell the provider how the liver is functioning?
``` AST ALT ALP Total Protein Albumin Bilirubin Ammonia (This is usually tested only with known liver malfunction) ```
54
List all the electrolytes we've learned about thus far
``` Sodium Potassium Chloride Calcium Magnesium Phosphorus ```
55
If the glucose results higher than normal, the first thing the nurse should do is...
Assess the patient!
56
If the glucose results higher than normal, the second thing the nurse should do is...
After assessing the patient, inquire about the patient's dietary habits for the day. Have they eaten recently?
57
Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia are?
``` Increased thirst (polydipsia) Increased urination (polyuria) Increased hunger (polyphagia) Hot, dry skin ``` If a patient exhibits these s/s, the nurse should suspect hyperglycemia is possible; check the blood glucose
58
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia are?
``` Fatigue Weakness Headache Hunger Clammy, cool skin Shakiness Irritability ``` If a patient exhibits these s/s, the nurse should suspect hypoglycemia is possible; check the blood glucose
59
What will kill the patient first, a critically high or critically low glucose?
Critically low! Brain requires glucose for energy. Without glucose, the brain will shut down and the body will go into a coma (life threatening!)
60
Which blood glucose requires attention from the nures first: Blood Glucose of 68 mg/dL Blood Glucose of 800 mg/dL
Blood Glucose of 68 mg/dL Even though this blood glucose is not critically low yet, it is lower than desired range. A low blood sugar must be corrected so it does not keep dropping. Remember: the brain requires glucose for energy. Without glucose, the brain will shut down and the body will go into a coma (life threatening!) A blood glucose of 800 mg/dL is critically high and concerning, but it is not the priority when another patient is hypoglycemic!
61
If the BUN is acutely elevated and the patient does not have any known kidney disease, what may be the patients issue?
The patient may be dehydrated.
62
Which electrolytes assist in cardiac and smooth muscle function?
Potassium Calcium Sodium
63
If the bilirubin is > 1.0 mg/dL, what clinical manifestation might the patient present with?
Jaundice. | Yellow tinted skin and sclera
64
What is the role of albumin?
Keep fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels Nourish tissues Promote wound healing Transport substances throughout the body (because it's a protein!)
65
If AST, ALT and ALP are elevated, what does the nurse suspect?
Impaired/decreased liver function
66
If albumin is decreased, what organ could be malfunctioning?
Liver The liver synthesizes/makes albumin. If the liver isn't working properly, it cannot make the albumin!
67
If albumin is elevated, what could be the issue?
Dehydration
68
What are causes of a decreased albumin level?
Liver malfunction Fluid volume overload Malnutrition (i.e. alcoholics)
69
If the total protein level is decreased, what are possible causes?
Liver impairment Fluid volume overload Malnutrition (i.e. alcoholics)
70
What is the medical term for White Blood Cells?
Leukocytes
71
What is the medical term for Red Blood Cells?
Erythrocytes
72
When are White Blood Cells most commonly elevated?
During an acute bacterial infection
73
How long does a Red Blood Cell typically live for?
120 days
74
What does Hemoglobin (Hgb) measure?
The amount of oxygen carried within the blood
75
What does Hematocrit (Hct) measure?
The percentage of total blood volume made up by red blood cells
76
What unit is Hematocrit (Hct) measured in?
percentage (%)
77
What is the medical term used when RBCs, Hct and Hgb are elevated?
Erythrocytosis
78
What is the medical term used when RBCs, Hct and Hgb are decreased?
Erythropenia
79
What is the most common cause of erythrocytosis?
Dehydration Fluid volume within the vessels decreases, but the RBCs, Hgb and Hct do not decrease. This makes it appear as though there is more RBCs, Hgb and Hct available.
80
What are causes of erythrocytosis?
Dehydration Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Living at high altitudes
81
What are causes of erythropenia?
``` Hemorrhage (blood loss) from a trauma or internal bleeding Fluid volume overload Nutritional deficiencies Kidney/Renal Disease Anemia ```
82
What is the medical term for platelets?
Thrombocytes
83
What is the medical term for elevated platelet count?
Thrombocytosis
84
What is the medical term for decreased platelet count?
Thrombocytopenia
85
If a patient experiences a trauma and they have lost a lot of blood (hemorrhaging), what labs within the CBC will be decreased?
RBC Hgb Hct Platelets
86
If a provider wanted to analyze the "break down" of the WBC, what test would be ordered?
CBC with differential
87
What is it called when a patient is experiencing an acute bacterial infection and neutrophils are being produced rapidly?
Shift to the left Occurs during an acute bacterial infection, neutrophils are stimulated and rapidly produced. They enter circulation early to fight off the infection.
88
What is the medical term for critically low WBCs?
Neutropenia
89
What type of precautions need to be put into place if a patient has WBCs <2,000
The patient is neutropenic and neutropenic precautions need to be put in place Everyone except the patient must wear a mask when around patient to protect patient from their germs
90
If a patient is taking the medication Warfarin (Coumadin) what lab value(s) will the nurse monitor? Will the nurse expect these lab values to be higher or lower than normal range?
Monitor PT and INR Both values will be elevated above normal range while patient is on this medication. PT will be prolonged, meaning the time it takes for the blood to clot will be longer INR will ideally be elevated to therapeutic range (2.0-3.0) while on this medication
91
If a patient is taking the medication Heparin what lab value(s) will the nurse monitor? Will the nurse expect these lab values to be higher or lower than normal range?
Monitor PTT PTT will be elevated above normal range while the patient is on Heparin. PTT will be prolonged, meaning the time it takes for the blood to clot will be longer
92
If the patient's PT, INR, and/or PTT are elevated, what is the patient at risk for?
Bleeding
93
If a provider wants to see how well the glucose has been controlled over the past two to three months, what lab will be ordered?
Hemoglobin A1C
94
A Hemoglobin A1C less than what number is ideal for a patient with Diabetes Mellitus?
< 7 %
95
If a Hemoglobin A1C is > 9 %, what does the provider know?
The blood glucose has been very poorly controlled over the past two to three months
96
If a patient has a glucose level of 80 mg/dL but a Hemoglobin A1C of 14%, will they have s/s of hyperglycemia?
No. Glucose level is within range so s/s should not be present.
97
If a patient experiences tissue hypoxia, what lab will be elevated?
Lactic Acid/Lactate
98
If ammonia levels are high, what organ is malfunctioning?
Liver The liver must break ammonia down into BUN so it can be excreted by the kidneys. If the liver isn't working properly, it will not be able to break the ammonia down.
99
If ammonia levels are high, what is the nurse's priority action for the patient?
Maintaining safety
100
The patient is at risk for coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis when what lipid panel labs are elevated?
LDL Triglycerides Total Cholesterol
101
If a patient has a d-dimer level above 500, what does the nurse suspect?
Possible blood clot
102
If the patient has a d-dimer level above 500 and complains of left lower extremity pain, what diagnostic test should be ordered?
An ultrasound. Quickest test to view blood flow in the lower extremity. Determine if blood clot present
103
If the patient has a d-dimer level above 500 and complains of chest pain and shortness of breath, what diagnostic test should be ordered?
A CTA Scan of the Chest. Need to visualize the blood vessels of the lungs to determine if these is a blood clot present. Ultrasound cannot be performed because it cannot visualize the blood vessels of the lungs, they are too deep within the body.
104
What labs assess kidney function? | What lab is the most accurate indicator of kidney function?
Creatinine Clearance/Glomerular Filtration Rate *most accurate indicator of kidney function!) eGFR Creatinine Blood Urea Nitrogen
105
If liver function was impaired, what liver function tests would be elevated and what liver function tests would be decreased?
Elevated: AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, Ammonia Decreased: Albumin, Total Protein
106
What labs assess pancreatic function?
Amylase | Lipase
107
What labs identify the amount of inflammation present within the body? (I.e. what are the inflammatory marker labs?)
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) | C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
108
If the patient has an acute bacterial infection, what labs will be elevated?
WBCs ESR CRP
109
If a patient is scheduled to receive a CT Scan with contrast, what must the nurse ask?
Allergies to contrast dye or shellfish
110
What is the difference between a CT Scan and a CTA Scan?
A CT scan shows the body/organs/tissues in a 3D image. A CTA scan shows the body/organs/tissues in a 3D image and also shows blood flow through vessels.
111
What does an x-ray show images of?
Bones Heart Lungs Joints
112
What diagnostic machine(s) are portable?
Ultrasound | X-Ray
113
If a female of child bearing age is having an x-ray or CT scan, what must be ruled out?
Pregnancy
114
If a CT scan with intravenous contrast is ordered, function of what organ must be assessed first?
Function of the kidneys. Kidneys must be working appropriately in order to receive intravenous contrast. They need to excrete the material.
115
If a MRI is being obtained, what must the nurse do with the patient before the test is started? What does the nurse have to do for his/herself
MRI Checklist Remove all metal, doesn't matter what area of the body is being scanned Patient must be in a gown only Educate the patient Nurse must remove all metal off of his/her body before going into the MRI room
116
If the provider wants to see blood flow through vessels/organs, what diagnostic imaging test would be ordered?
CT Angiogram (CTA)
117
What must the patient remove before an x-ray?
All metal around/close to the area being x-rayed | Put patient in a gown (better safe than sorry!)
118
What are the benefits of an ultrasound test?
It is quick, easy and painless. No rule out testing needs to be performed before hand. Machine is portable, it can come to the patient.
119
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is an important lab to monitor the severity of what disease?
Chronic Heart Failure
120
Troponin is an important lab to monitor during what time?
Acute cardiac injury
121
A normal level for a troponin lab is what?
< 0.017 ng/mL
122
A normal level for a Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) lab is what?
< 100 pg/mL
123
If Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is greater than 400 pg/mL, what disease is likely to exist in the patient?
Heart failure
124
Other than a troponin, what elevation of what lab can show injury to cardiac muscle?
Creatine Kinase MB (CK-MB)
125
What is the normal range for amylase?
60-120 units/mL
126
What is the normal range for lipase?
0-160 units/mL

MedSurg Nursing; N1110 (15 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions