Normal Indications Evaluate for: Elevated triglycerides Risk for atherosclerotic heart disease and stroke Description Triglycerides (TG) are required to provide energy during the metabolic process, excess triglycerides are stored in adipose tissue. What would cause increased levels? Myocardial Infarction (MI) Alcoholism Alcoholic cirrhosis High carbohydrate diet Anorexia nervosa Cirrhosis Hypertension (HTN) Nephrotic Syndrome Obesity Renal failure Pancreatitis Stress What would cause decreased l...
Sep 27, 2023•4 min
Normal 135-145 mEq/L Indications Monitor: Extracellular osmolality Electrolyte imbalance Description Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant cation in extracellular fluid. Sodium aids in osmotic pressure, renal retention and excretion of water, acid-base balance, regulation of other cations and anions in the body. Sodium plays a role in blood pressure regulation and stimulation of neuromuscular reactions. Sodium and water have a direct relationship; water follows salt. What would cause increased level...
Sep 25, 2023•4 min
Normal 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L Indications Evaluate: Electrolyte imbalances Cardiac arrhythmias Monitor patients who are: Acidotic Receiving diuretic therapy Description Potassium (K+) is the most abundant intracellular cation and plays a vital role in the transmission of electrical impulses in cardiac and skeletal muscle. It plays a role in acid base equilibrium. In states of acidosis hydrogen will enter the cell which will force potassium out of the cell. A 0.1 decrease in pH will cause a 0.5 increase...
Sep 20, 2023•5 min
Normal 25 - 35 seconds Indications Detection of coagulation disorders Evaluate response to Heparin (PT for Coumadin) Preoperative assessment Description Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)evaluates the function of factors I, II, V, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII. PTT represents the amount of time required for a fibrin clot to form. Monitors therapeutic ranges for people taking Heparin. What would cause increased levels? Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Clotting Factor Deficiencies: Hypofibri...
Sep 18, 2023•3 min
Normal 95 - 100% Indications Determine respiratory status Part of Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) testing Description Oxygen saturation (SaO2) is a measurement of the percentage of how much hemoglobin is saturated with oxygen. Oxygen is transported in the blood in two ways: oxygen dissolved in blood plasma (pO2) and oxygen bound to hemoglobin (SaO2). About 97% of oxygen is bound to hemoglobin while 3% is dissolved in plasma. SaO2 and pO2 have direct relationships, if one is decreased so is the other. T...
Sep 13, 2023•3 min
Normal 261 – 280 mOsm/kg Indications Monitor: Electrolyte balance Acid-Base balance Hydration Evaluate function of antidiuretic hormone. Description Osmolality is a measure of the particles in solution. The size, shape, and charge of the particles do not impact the osmolality What would cause increased levels? Dehydration Azotemia Hypercalcemia Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic State (HHNS) Hypernatremia Diabetes Insipidus Hyperglycemia Mannitol therapy Uremia Severe pyelonephritis Shock Ket...
Sep 11, 2023•5 min
Normal 1.6 – 2.6 mg/dL Indications Monitor: Renal failure Chronic alcoholism Cardiac arrhythmias Description Magnesium (Mg) is a cation necessary for protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, muscle contraction, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) use, nerve impulse conduction, and blood clotting. Magnesium affects the absorption of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium. What would cause increased levels? Renal insufficiency Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Addison Disease Dehydration Hypothyroidi...
Sep 06, 2023•4 min
Normal Indications Useful in determining risk of cardiovascular disease. Description Cholesterol is transported via lipoproteins. There are multiple types of lipoproteins and they each have slightly different functions: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, LDL, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). LDL cholesterol is considered bad cholesterol because as it travels through the blood, it deposits cholesterol into the lining of blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis and an i...
Sep 04, 2023•3 min
Normal 0.3 -2.6 mmol/L Indications Determine cause of acidosis Evaluate tissue oxygenation Description Lactate (Lactic Acid) is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. Normally, the tissues use aerobic metabolism to breakdown glucose for energy and the byproduct is CO2 and H2O which we excrete through our kidneys and exhalation. However, if the tissues are starved of oxygen (hypoxic), they use anaerobic metabolism. This can be compounded if the liver is also hypoxic causing the liver to be unable t...
Aug 30, 2023•4 min
Normal 0.8 - 1.2 Therapeutic Levels of Warfarin 2.0 – 3.5 Indications Evaluate therapeutic doses of Warfarin Identify patients at higher risk for bleeding Identify cause of: Bleeding Deficiencies Description International normalized ratio(INR) takes results from a prothrombin time test and standardizes it regardless of collection method. What would cause increased levels? Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Liver disease Vitamin K deficiency Warfarin What would cause decreased levels? T...
Aug 28, 2023•4 min
Normal >60 optimal mg/dL Indications Monitor risks of heart disease Description Cholesterol is transported via lipoproteins. There are multiple types of lipoproteins and they each have slightly different functions: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). HDL cholesterol is considered the good cholesterol because it travels through the blood picking up extra cholesterol and taking it back to the liver. What would cause increased levels...
Aug 23, 2023•3 min
Normal 5.6-7.5 % of total Hgb Indications Assess control of blood sugars over a several month time frame Diagnose Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Description Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) is the combination of glucose and hemoglobin. When glucose is elevated in the blood the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin increases proportionally. A red blood cells lifespan is about 4 months, so you can get an idea of blood sugar control over the last several months. What would cause increased levels? Poorly control...
Aug 21, 2023•3 min
Normal 2 - 20 ng/mL Indications Diagnose megaloblastic anemia Monitor effects of long-term Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Identify Folate Deficiency Description Folic acid is an essential water soluble B vitamin. It is stored in the liver and is an important part of Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) function, DNA replication, and cell division. What would cause increased levels? Excess folate intake What would cause decreased levels? Vitamin B12 deficiency Pernicious anemia Hemol...
Aug 16, 2023•3 min
Normal 20-300 ng/mL Indications Diagnosing: Iron-deficiency anemiaH emochromatosis Monitor: Iron levels Description Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. It is formed in the liver spleen and bone marrow. Ferritin in the blood is usually proportional to stored ferritin. Ferritin is a more sensitive and specific test for identifying iron-deficiency anemia, however, it is usually measured in conjunction with total iron binding capacity and iron. What would cause increased levels? Inflammation Alc...
Aug 14, 2023•4 min
Normal 96-108 mEq/L Indications Identify Acid-Base Imbalance Description Chloride (Cl-), an anion found in the blood, works together with sodium to help maintain oncotic pressure and water balance in the body. Chloride is inversely related to bicarbonate levels in the blood. Chloride is also part of hydrochloric acid (HCL) which is utilized in the stomach to breakdown food. When red blood cells (RBCs) take up CO2 they take up chloride as well. The negative ion bicarbonate then leaves the red blo...
Aug 09, 2023•5 min
Normal 8.4-10.2 mg/dL Indications Identify problems with: Parathyroid Neuromuscular functions Diseases that affect bone Effectiveness of treatments. Description Calcium (Ca+), a positive ion in the body, is necessary for neuromuscular processes, bone mineralization, and hormonal secretion. The parathyroid gland and vitamin D are responsible for calcium regulation in the body. In the blood, about half of calcium travels in ion form, the other half is bound to proteins like albumin. When albumin l...
Aug 07, 2023•6 min
Normal 12-37 U/L Indications Monitor progression of: Liver disease Response to treatments. Monitor liver toxic medications Description Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme primarily found in liver and heart cells, and to a smaller extent, AST can also be found in the pancreas, kidneys, skeletal muscle, and brain. Levels of AST increase from cell death (necrosis) because the AST enzyme is released into the blood. What would cause increased levels? Liver disease Liver cancer Shock Congest...
Aug 02, 2023•3 min
Normal 0-130 U/L Indications Diagnosing: Pancreatitis Pancreatic Duct Obstruction Macroamylasemia Trauma to Pancreas Description Amylase is made in the pancreas. It is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates to allow our body to absorb it. Monitoring amylase levels can help identify problems with the pancreas. What would cause increased levels? Pancreatitis Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic Cyst DKA Peritonitis Abdominal Trauma Duodenal Obstruction Mumps Alcohol use What would cause decreased levels...
Jul 31, 2023•3 min
Hi NURSING.com family. You can now prep for the NCLEX Anywhere! We just released a new Podcast show, " NCLEX Flash Notes ." This is the perfect NCLEX review, and as ALWAYS, we have pulled out the MOST important info that you need to become an Amazing nurse! Listen in each week while we review the critical topics you need to pass the NCLEX Exam. Each episode will cover different MUST-know nursing topics, with a perfect overview of all you need to know. Our new show is NCLEX Flash Notes . Just cli...
Jul 28, 2023•2 min
Normal 30-40 seconds Indications Identifying congenital deficiencies in clotting Monitoring heparin therapeutic levels (PT for warfarin) Monitoring effects of: Liver Disease Protein Deficiency Fat malabsorption on clotting Description Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is a test that measures the amount of time it takes for a fibrin clot to form after reagents have been added to the specimen. It is useful in diagnosing clotting disorders. In conjunction with PT it can be used to differ...
Jul 26, 2023•4 min
Hi NURSING.com family. Are you getting ready for the NCLEX?? This show is the perfect NCLEX review, and as ALWAYS, we have pulled out the MOST important info that you need to become an Amazing nurse! Listen in each week while we review 77 critical topics you need to pass the NCLEX-RN Exam. Each episode will cover these MUST-know nursing topics with a perfect overview. Our new show is NCLEX Flash Notes. You can search that in apple podcasts or spotify and pull up the SHOW. NCLEX Flash Notes NCLEX...
Jul 24, 2023•3 min
Overview Urinalysis Color & Clarity Protein RBC WBC Glucose Specific gravity Ketones pH Bilirubin/Urobilinogen Nursing Points General Normal value range Color & Clarity Normal – Yellow Other colors Drug interactions Propofol – green Methylene blue – blue/green Trauma Red/Brown Liver failure Brown/tea colored Clear – Normal Cloudy Cell or contaminant related Turbid Severe presence of cells (WBC, RBC) pH ~6 Changes in body condition can change pH Metabolic acidosis/alkalosis Protein 0-trac...
Jul 24, 2023•4 min
Overview White Blood Cells Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Abnormal values (high) Abnormal values (low) Nursing Points General Normal value range WBC 4500-10000/mcL Differential Neutrophils 40-60% Bands 3-5% >8% indicates signal to WBC for more production Infection or inflammation is severe Eosinophils 1-4% Basophils 0.5-1% Lymphocytes 20-40% Monocytes 2-8% Pathophysiology WBC Formed in the bone marrow Responsible for responding to foreign invaders Creating antibodie...
Jul 19, 2023•3 min
Overview Troponin I Normal value range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevations in lab values Nursing Points General Normal value range Typically, less than 0.035 ng/mL or less Can vary among institutions Has to be greater than the 99th percentile Pathophysiology Troponin is released during myocardial cell damage Decreased perfusion causes myocardial cell damage Causes of myocardial cell damage Myocardial infarction Demand ischemia Cardiogenic ACS Noncardiogenic Sepsis Renal failure Ext...
Jul 17, 2023•3 min
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Description: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is released from the anterior pituitary in response to low levels of thyroid hormone. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) Thyroxine (T4) T3 and T4 have an inverse relationship with TSH Indications: Aids to diagnose: Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism Anterior ...
Jul 12, 2023•4 min
Overview Red blood cells Normal Value Range Patho Special considerations Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Nursing Points General Normal range Measured in millions Normal values Males 4.5-5.5 x106/mcL Females 4-4.9×106/mcL Pathophysiology Red Blood Cell generation Formed in bone marrow Stimulated by kidneys by erythropoietin Function AKA Erythrocytes Reticulocytes Young RBC Indicate regeneration Carries oxygen Via Hemoglobin Allows for transfer of CO2 B...
Jul 10, 2023•4 min
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Prostate Specific Antigen in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Prostate Specific Antigen – PSA Description: Measurement of PSA in the bloodstream Used to diagnose and assess prostate health, size and function. Indications: Evaluate: Enlarged prostate when prostate cancer is suspected Stage cancer Effectiveness of treatments Normal Therapeutic Values: Normal – Male: Female: Collection: Serum Separator Tube What would cause increased levels?...
Jul 05, 2023•2 min
Overview Platelets Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevated platelet levels Decreased platelet levels Nursing Points General Normal value ranges 100,000 – 450,000/mcL Also known as – Thrombocytes Pathophysiology Formed from Megakaryocyte Formed from bone marrow Produces 1000-3000 platelets Injury occurs at site Collagen releases activators Thrombocytes activate "sticky fingers", which allow them to bind together. Travel to site (along with other clotting factors) Adhere...
Jul 03, 2023•4 min
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Lipase in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Lipase Description: Lipase Measurement of lipase in the blood Used to diagnose pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer An enzyme produced by the pancreas Aids in breakdown of fats Released into the bloodstream as a result of damage to the pancreas Indications: Diagnose: Pancreatitis Severe upper abdominal pain Abdominal pain – radiates Fever N/V Tachycardia Pancreatic cancer Discoloration of urine and...
Jun 28, 2023•3 min
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of iron levels in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Iron – Fe Description: Measures the amount of Fe in the bloodstream. Evaluates: Sufficient Fe level oxygen transport proper hemoglobin & RBC production Iron (Fe) is an element that is an important component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Iron aids hemoglobin's transport of oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body. The storage form of iron is ferritin. Iron is transported in ...
Jun 26, 2023•3 min
