Labs Flashcards
Normal Hemoglobin Values
12-18 g/dL
Low Hemoglobin value
Anemia: hemoglobin <12g/dL
hgb <7g/dL requires blood transfusion
Anemia Signs and Symptoms
dizziness; lightheadedness; fall risk
Polycythemia
High Hemoglobin (>18g/dL)
Signs and Symptoms of Polycythemia
fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums.
Hematocrit
Directly related to hemoglobin; the ratio of RBC to total blood volume
Normal is 37 - 57%
Normal RBC Count
4.5 - 5.5 million
Normal WBC Count
5,000 - 10,000
Leukopenia
Low WBC count (>5,000); immunocompromised
Causes: Cancer, immunosuppression, autoimmune disease, IV Abx.
Leukocytosis
High WBC count (>10,000); caused by infection and surgery
Normal Platelet Count
4.5 - 5.4 million
Thrombocythemia
high platelet count (>5.4 million); clot risk
Thrombocytopenia
low platelet count (<4.5 million); increased risk for bleeding.
Normal Sodium Level
135 - 145 mEql/L
Hyponatremia
<135 mEq/L
Euvolemic Hyponatremia
water in the body decreases, but the sodium level remains the same. Caused by SIADH, polydypsia, adrenal insufficiency, excessive hypotonic IV fluids, and low dietary sodium.
Signs and symptoms: weak pulse, tachycardia, hypotension, dizziness.
Treatment: water restriction, osmotic diuresis, and increased PO sodium.
Hypervolemic Hyponatremia
water in the body increases to the point of hypervolemia, which dilutes the amount of sodium in the serum, causing dilution or relative hyponatremia.
Causes: CHF, RF, liver failure, and water intoxication.
Signs and Symptoms: bounding pulse, hypertension.
Treatment: water restriction, increased osmotic diuresis, increased sodium intake.
Hypovolemic Hyponatremia
loss of sodium and water.
Causes: vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics (furosemide), burns, and excessive sweating.
Signs and Symptoms: seizure, confusion, lethargy, cerebral edema, increased ICP, cramps, weakness, shallow resps, muscle spasms, OH, loss of appetite, hyperactive bowel sounds.
Treatment: 0.9% NaCl; if severe, 3% NaCl
Foods High in Sodium
canned or processed foods, frozen foods, lunch meats, cheeses, bacon, table salt, etc.
Normal Potassium Levels
3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L