Important Nursing Lab Values

Potassium (K⁺)

normal: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L

high: hyperkalemia → arrhythmias

low: hypokalemia → muscle weakness, arrhythmias

memory: Potassium = heart

Sodium (Na⁺)

normal: 135-145 mEq/L

high: dehydration

low: confusion, seizures

memory: Sodium = neuro

Calcium (Ca²⁺)

normal: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL

high: weakness, constipation

low: tetany, muscle spasms

memory: calcium = muscles + bones

Magnesium (Mg²⁺)

normal: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L

high: decreased reflexes

low: tremors, increased reflexes

memory: Magnesium = reflexes

Glucose

normal: 70-110 mg/dL

low: sweating, shakiness

high: excessive thirst/urination

memory: Glucose = sugar

WBC

normal: 5,000-10,000/mm³

high: infection

low: infection risk

memory: White = infection

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

normal: female: 12-16 g/dL, male: 14-18 g/dL

low: fatigue, anemia

memory: Hemoglobin carries oxygen

Platelets

normal:1 50,000-400,000/mm³

low: bleeding risk

memory: Platelets patch holes

Creatinine

normal: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL

high: kidney dysfunction

memory: Creatinine = kidneys

BUN

normal: 10-20 mg/dL

high: dehydration/kidney issues

memory: BUN = kidney function

aPTT

normal: 30-40 sec

used for: heparin

memory: Heparin → P in aPTT

INR (international normalized ratio)

normal: 0.8-1.1

used for: warfarin

memory: WarfarIN = INR

test for coagulation

Blood Pressure

120/80 mmHg

Respiratory Rate

12 to 18

Body Temperature

98.6 F(37 C)

Oxygen saturation

95% and 100%

Pain level

fifth vital sign; subjective assessment of patients physical discomfort

LOC

AAX4 measure using glasgow coma scale