Labs Flashcards
Albumin
Indication
Assess nutritional status
Evaluate chronic illness
Evaluate liver disease
Albumin
Normal values
3.4 - 4.8 g/dL
Albumin
Interpretation
Increased in dehydration
Decreased in malnutrition, liver disease, inflammation, increased blood volume, increased loss (burns, hemorrhage)
Albumin
Nx Implication
Assess nutritional status
Monitor for edema when levels are low
Assess tissue integrity and prevent skin breakdown
Encourage protein intake
Prealbumin
Indication
Evaluate nutritional status
Monitor parenteral nutrition
Prealbumin
Normal values
12 - 42 mg/dL
Prealbumin
Interpretation
Increased in alcoholism, chronic renal failure, patients receiving steroids
Decreased in malnutrition, tissue necrosis, liver disease, acute-phase inflammatory response, chronic illness
Prealbumin
Nx Implication
Assess nutritional status
Anytime plasma glucose level
Indication
Screen for diabetes
Anytime plasma glucose level
Normal values
< 200 mg/dL
Anytime plasma glucose level
Interpretation
Increased in diabetes, acute stress reaction, severe liver disease, pancreatitis, severe renal disease
Decreased in hypoglycemia, excess insulin, cancer, malnutrition, alcohol use, liver disease
Anytime plasma glucose level
Nx Implication
Assess nutritional status
Encourage proper body weight
Monitor blood glucose
Fasting plasma glucose level
Indication
Screen for diabetes
Fasting plasma glucose level
Normal values
70 - 100 mg/dL
Fasting plasma glucose level
Interpretation
100 - 126 mg/dL indicates prediabetes
> 126 mg/dL indicates diabetes
Fasting plasma glucose level
Nx Implication
Medicate as ordered
Encourage diet evaluation and education
Monitor for hypoglycemia