Lab Values Objectives

Question 1

Qualitative

Answer 1

data that doesn’t have a number associated with it

Question 2

Quantitative

Answer 2

numeric measurements

Question 3

Sensitivity

Answer 3

the ability to detect; true positive

Question 4

Use clinical judgement when evaluating a patient’s laboratory test results and overall presentation to determine if a lab value is critical

Answer 4

Look at overall clinical picture, presence of signs or symptoms, and look at the trend instead of the absolute number

Question 5

Identify laboratory and patient factors that could influence lab test results

Answer 5

Calculation or input error, misreading of results, incorrect specimen handling, timing drawn, age of patient, biological rhythms, pregnancy, and fluid status

Question 6

Na reference range

Answer 6

135 - 145

Question 7

Cl reference range

Answer 7

96 - 106

Question 8

BUN reference range

Answer 8

8 - 20

Question 9

K reference range

Answer 9

3.5 - 5

Question 10

CO2 reference range

Answer 10

22 - 32

Question 11

SCr reference range

Answer 11

0.7 - 1.2

Question 12

Glucose reference range

Answer 12

70 - 110

Question 13

Hyponatremia

Answer 13

often due to dilution and can cause seizures and coma

Question 14

Hypernatremia

Answer 14

signs are thirst, irritability, seizures, hyperreflexia coma, and death; is common in long distance runners due to the water loss

Question 15

Hypokalemia

Answer 15

can be caused by insulin, dextrose, diet, meds, vomiting, and diarrhea

Question 16

Hyperkalemia

Answer 16

signs include bradycardia, rhythm disturbances, and cardiac arrest. Can be caused by crush injuries, burns, or hemolysis because the damaged cells release the potassium. It can also be caused by increased intake of potassium or decreased output due to renal failure or drugs.

Question 17

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 17

signs include headache, lethargy, and tetany

Question 18

Metabolic acidosis

Answer 18

signs include increased respiratory rate

Question 19

What is increased BUN indicative of

Answer 19

decreased kidney function

Question 20

What is decreased BUN indicative of

Answer 20

nutrition deficit

Question 21

Hypermagnesia

Answer 21

signs include decreased respiratory rate, cardiac arrest, and decreased blood pressure

Question 22

Hypercalcemia

Answer 22

signs include constipation and kidney stones; caused by vitamin D toxicity

Question 23

Hypocalcemia

Answer 23

signs include tetany and paresthesias

Question 24

Hyperphosphatemia

Answer 24

signs include tetany and paresthesias. Can be caused by chronic kidney disease

Question 25

Hypoalbuminemia

Answer 25

can be caused by liver failure or poor nutrition

Question 26

Hyperalbuminemia

Answer 26

can be caused by dehydration

Question 27

Anemia

Answer 27

signs include fatigue, increased respiratory rate, and being pale. Causes are chronic kidney disease, low iron/folic acid/B12, sickle cell, or cancer

Question 28

CrCl equation

Answer 28

CrCl = [(140 – age) x Weight (kg)] / (SCr x 72) x 0.85 if female

Question 29

Corrected Ca equation

Answer 29

Corrected Ca = [0.8 x (4mg/dL – Alb)] + Ca