Common Lab Values and Nursing Considerations

Flashcards focusing on common lab values, their implications, and nursing considerations.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

Includes glucose, sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, calcium, BUN, and creatinine.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

BMP plus albumin, total protein, ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Includes WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and various measures of red cell volume.

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

Indicates the body's primary defense against infections.

Sodium (Na+)

Most abundant cation in extracellular fluid, regulating osmotic pressure.

Hyponatremia

Sodium levels lower than 135 mEq/L; can cause muscle cramps and confusion.

Hypernatremia

Sodium levels greater than 145 mEq/L; can lead to confusion and coma.

Potassium (K+)

Most abundant intracellular cation, crucial for electrical impulses in muscles.

Hypokalemia

Potassium levels lower than 3.5 mEq/L; can cause cardiac arrhythmias.

Hyperkalemia

Potassium levels higher than 5.0 mEq/L; can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac arrest.

Magnesium (Mg2+)

Second most abundant intracellular cation; essential for nerve impulses and muscle relaxation.

Hypomagnesemia

Magnesium levels lower than 1.8 mg/dL; can cause muscle cramping and tachycardia.

Hypermagnesemia

Magnesium levels greater than 2.6 mg/dL; can result in respiratory depression.

Calcium (Ca2+)

Most abundant cation in the body, important for muscle function and coagulation.

Hypocalcemia

Calcium levels lower than 9 mg/dL; can lead to seizures and muscle spasms.

Hypercalcemia

Calcium levels greater than 11 mg/dL; may cause hypertension and dysrhythmias.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Normal range between 10 – 20 mg/dL, indicates protein metabolism.

Creatinine

Normal range between 0.5 – 1.3 mg/dL, reflects kidney function.

Anion Gap

Calculated value used to identify metabolic acidosis.

Hematocrit (Hct)

Percentage of RBC in total blood volume, used to assess anemia.

Troponin

Cardiac protein that increases with myocardial injury.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

Hormone released during cardiac stress, useful in assessing heart failure.

Nursing considerations for Hyponatremia

Monitor neuro status, I&O, and fluid overload.

Nursing considerations for Hypernatremia

Monitor serum electrolytes, I&O, and neuro status.

Nursing considerations for Hypokalemia

Monitor EKG for arrhythmias and assess potassium levels.

Nursing considerations for Hyperkalemia

Monitor for cardiac changes and signs of hypoglycemia when administering insulin.

Nursing considerations for Hypomagnesemia

Monitor cardiac rhythm and neuromuscular status.

Nursing considerations for Hypermagnesemia

Avoid magnesium-containing medications and monitor vital signs.

Nursing considerations for Hypocalcemia

Monitor for signs of muscle spasms and assess vital signs.

Nursing considerations for Hypercalcemia

Monitor for hypertension and assess renal function.

Nursing considerations for elevated BUN

Monitor I&O and assess for fluid retention.

Nursing considerations for elevated Creatinine

Assess kidney status and fluid resuscitation needs.

Common causes of elevated WBC

Infection, inflammation, and steroid use.

Blood loss

Identified through decreased hemoglobin levels, triggering interventions.