Laboratory Tests

Question 1

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)

Answer 1

evaluates pH, PaCO2, PaO2, SaO2, 
NORMS
pH: 7.35- 7.45
PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg 
PaO2: 80-100 mmHg
HCO3- (bicarbonate ion): 22-26 mEq/L
SaO2: 95-98%

Question 2

Acidemia

Answer 2

elevated blood acidity (pH

Question 3

Alkalemia

Answer 3

decreased blood acidity (pH > 7.35)

Question 4

Hypoxemia

Answer 4

low level of O2 in arterial blood (PaO2

Question 5

Hypoxia

Answer 5

low level of O2 in tissue despite adequate perfusion

Question 6

Cholesterol Test

Answer 6

aka lipid panel/profile
measures cholesterol & triglycerides in blood to determine risk of atherosclerosis
HDL = “good” LDL = “bad”- associated w/ plaque buildup
High Triglycerides associated w/ overweight & diabetes

Question 7

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Answer 7

measures red blood cell + total white blood cell count + white blood cell differential + platelets + hemoglobin + hematocrit

performed to assess health, diagnose/monitor medical condition, monitor effects of medical Tx

Question 8

Hematocrit (Hct)

Answer 8

% red blood cells/ total blood volume
low = anemia, blood loss, vitamin/mineral deficiency
high = dehydration, polycythemia vera

Question 9

Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) & Prothrombin Time (PT)

Answer 9

measure how quickly blood clots- used to monitor oral anticoagulant Tx/ screen for bleeding disorders
examin all clotting factors of intrinsic pathway (except platelets)
Partial Thromboplastin is MORE sensitive than Prothrombin in detecting minor deficiencies