Quiz #2 Flashcards
Specific Gravity (value range)
Adult: 1.005-1.030 (the values decrease as the person gets older)
Why would specific gravity be ordered for a patient?
To determine the concentrating and excretory power of the kidney. Renal disease tends to diminish the concentrating capability of the kidney. As a result, kidney disease is associated with low specific gravity.
Also determines hydration status of the patient.
What is specific gravity measuring?
The concentration of particles including wastes and electrolytes in the urine. High specific gravity = concentrated urine
S/S for high and low specific gravity.
H: (display symptoms of dehydration) - decreased UO - thirst - dizziness - dry skin - dry mouth - HA
L: (display symptoms of renal disease/failure) -itching - swelling of feet and ankles - inability to urinate/produce urine - HTN - flank pain - periorbital edema - HF symptoms (SOB, chest pain)
Hemoglobin value ranges
Male = 14-18 Female = 12-16 (prego women >11)
critical values are <5 and >20
Why would hemoglobin be ordered for a patient?
Normally this test is performed as part of a CBC. Decreased levels indicate anemia and increased levels indicate erythrocytosis.
What is hemoglobin measuring?
Measures the total amount of Hgb in the peripheral blood, which reflects the number of RBC’s in the blood. Hgb is a vehicle for oxygen and CO2 transport.
S/S for high and low hemoglobin.
H: happens when body’s need for oxygen increases (smoking, higher altitude, abuse of drugs)
- HA
- dizziness
- HA
- enlarged spleen
- flushing
*not sure about H
L:
- fatigue
- weakness
- dizzy
- pale skin and gums
- SOB
- irregular or fast HR
- strange cravings (pica)
- tongue swelling
- tingling
- brittle nails
Hematocrit value range
Male = 42-52% Female = 37-47% (prego > 33%)
Critical values = < 15% and > 60%
Why would Hct be ordered for a patient?
To determine if the patient is experiencing anemia with low levels and erythrocytosis with high levels. Know that this value is altered by many factors including hydration status. Dehydration would give a high Hct.
What is Hct measuring/testing?
It’s measuring the percentage of total blood volume made up by the RBC’s. Reflects hemoglobin and RBC values.
Platelets value range.
150,000-400,000
Critical = <50,000 or > 1 million
Why would platelets be ordered for a patient?
This test is performed when patients develop petechiae, spontaneous bleeding, or increasingly heavy menses. Also used to monitor course of the disease or therapy for thrombocytopenia or bone marrow failure.
What is being measured/tested with platelets?
Measures the count of platelets per cubic mL of blood. Platelets are essential to blood clotting so we need to see what our levels are at!
S/S for high and low platelets.
H:
- HA
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Temporary vision changes
- Tingling in hands and feetE
L:
- Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
- Petechiae
- Prolonged bleeding
- Bleeding from gums/nose
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Enlarged spleen
- Jaundice
Neutrophils (value range)
55-70%
Absolute count = 2500-8000
Why would Neutrophils be ordered for a patient?
To determine if there is an infection present or not in the patient. These are produced in 7-14 days and exist in circulation for 6 hours. Neutrophils main role is phagocytosis.
What is Neutrophils testing?
Neutrophils are the most common granulocyte. They respond to acute bacterial infections and trauma resulting in increased WBC count. It indicates an ongoing acute bacterial infection.
S/S for high and low neutrophil count.
H: elevated in infection, trauma, inflammation, chronic illness, leukemia
- fever
- cough
- abdominal pain
- weight loss
- fatigue
L: radiation, chemo, bone marrow problems, nutritional deficiency
- ulcers
- abscesses
- rashes
- wounds that take a long time to heal
- prolonged fever