Labs

Question 1

Albumin

Indication

Answer 1

Assess nutritional status
Evaluate chronic illness
Evaluate liver disease

Question 2

Albumin

Normal values

Answer 2

3.4 - 4.8 g/dL

Question 3

Albumin

Interpretation

Answer 3

Increased in dehydration

Decreased in malnutrition, liver disease, inflammation, increased blood volume, increased loss (burns, hemorrhage)

Question 4

Albumin

Nx Implication

Answer 4

Assess nutritional status
Monitor for edema when levels are low
Assess tissue integrity and prevent skin breakdown
Encourage protein intake

Question 5

Prealbumin

Indication

Answer 5

Evaluate nutritional status

Monitor parenteral nutrition

Question 6

Prealbumin

Normal values

Answer 6

12 - 42 mg/dL

Question 7

Prealbumin

Interpretation

Answer 7

Increased in alcoholism, chronic renal failure, patients receiving steroids
Decreased in malnutrition, tissue necrosis, liver disease, acute-phase inflammatory response, chronic illness

Question 8

Prealbumin

Nx Implication

Answer 8

Assess nutritional status

Question 9

Anytime plasma glucose level

Indication

Answer 9

Screen for diabetes

Question 10

Anytime plasma glucose level

Normal values

Answer 10

< 200 mg/dL

Question 11

Anytime plasma glucose level

Interpretation

Answer 11

Increased in diabetes, acute stress reaction, severe liver disease, pancreatitis, severe renal disease
Decreased in hypoglycemia, excess insulin, cancer, malnutrition, alcohol use, liver disease

Question 12

Anytime plasma glucose level

Nx Implication

Answer 12

Assess nutritional status
Encourage proper body weight
Monitor blood glucose

Question 13

Fasting plasma glucose level

Indication

Answer 13

Screen for diabetes

Question 14

Fasting plasma glucose level

Normal values

Answer 14

70 - 100 mg/dL

Question 15

Fasting plasma glucose level

Interpretation

Answer 15

100 - 126 mg/dL indicates prediabetes

> 126 mg/dL indicates diabetes

Question 16

Fasting plasma glucose level

Nx Implication

Answer 16

Medicate as ordered
Encourage diet evaluation and education
Monitor for hypoglycemia

Question 17

Oral glucose tolerance test

Indication

Answer 17

Screen for diabetes

Question 18

Oral glucose tolerance test

Normal Values

Answer 18

< 200 mg/dL

Question 19

Oral glucose tolerance test

Interpretation

Answer 19

> 200 mg/dL indicates diabetes

Question 20

Oral glucose tolerance test

Nx Implication

Answer 20

Encourage activity/exercise

Question 21

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Indication

Answer 21

Assess long-term glucose control (2-3 months)

Question 22

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Normal values

Answer 22

< 6.0% (decreasing)

Question 23

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Interpretation

Answer 23

Increased in poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes

Question 24

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Nx Implication

Answer 24

Educate regarding good glycemic control delays onset and slows progression of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy

Question 25

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) | Indication

Answer 25

Assess liver function and damage

Question 26

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) | Interpretation

Answer 26

Increased in hepatitis, liver disease, cancers, CHF

Question 27

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) | Nx Implication

Answer 27

Encourage proper diet | Encourage vaccination as appropriate

Question 28

``` Hep A antibody Hep B Antigen & Antibody Hep C Antibody Hep D Antibody Indication ```

Answer 28

Assess for Hepatitis A, B, C or D

Question 29

``` Hep A antibody Hep B Antigen & Antibody Hep C Antibody Hep D Antibody Interpretation ```

Answer 29

Positive results indicates hepatitis infection

Question 30

``` Hep A antibody Hep B Antigen & Antibody Hep C Antibody Hep D Antibody Nx Implication ```

Answer 30

Encourage prevention of transmission | Eliminate alcohol ingestion

Question 31

Thyroid antibodies | Indication

Answer 31

Assist in diagnosis of Grave's disease

Question 32

Thyroid antibodies | Interpretation

Answer 32

Increased in chronic thyroiditis, Grave's disease, pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis

Question 33

``` Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) Indication ```

Answer 33

Evaluate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism | Monitor response to therapy

Question 34

``` Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) Interpretation ```

Answer 34

Increased in hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, excessive intake of iodine, hepatitis Decreased in hypothyroidism

Question 35

``` Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) Nx Implication ```

Answer 35

Monitor for hypo/hyperthyroidism

Question 36

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Indication

Answer 36

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

Question 37

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Interpretation

Answer 37

Increased in primary hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone resistance, thyroiditis Decreased in excessive thyroid hormone replacement, Grave's disease, primary hyperthyroidism, secondary hypothyroidism

Question 38

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Nx Implication

Answer 38

Recognize cause of hypothyroidism by comparing TSH level with T4 level

Question 39

Radioactive iodine uptake test (RAI) | Indication

Answer 39

Evaluate hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism Evaluate thyroiditis, goiter, or pituitary failure Monitor response to therapy for thyroid disease

Question 40

Radioactive iodine uptake test (RAI) | Interpretation

Answer 40

Abnormal findings in decreased iodine intake or increased iodine excretion, Graves' disease, iodine-deficient goiter Increased uptake in hyperthyroidism Decreased uptake in hypothyroidism