LAB VALUES 2

Lipid Panel

  • The lipid panel is a test used to evaluate a patient's risk for cardiovascular disease.

    • Focuses on:

    • LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)

    • HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)

    • Total Cholesterol

    • Triglycerides

LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)

  • Definition: Lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the blood.

  • Desired Value: Less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)

  • Definition: Lipoprotein that helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

  • Desired Value: Greater than 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

  • Memory Aid:

    • "L" for LDL stands for Low, hence we want LDL to be low.

    • "H" for HDL stands for High, hence we want HDL to be high.

Total Cholesterol

  • Definition: The total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including LDL and HDL.

  • Desired Value: Less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Triglycerides

  • Definition: A type of fat found in the blood, used for energy.

  • Desired Value: Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

  • ABGs are used to assess the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, along with blood pH.

  • Video Resource: A tutorial on interpreting ABGs using the tic-tac-toe method is available for further learning.

Normal Ranges for ABG Components

  • Blood pH

    • Normal Range: 7.35 to 7.45

    • Acidic: Less than 7.35

    • Alkaline: Greater than 7.45

  • pCO2 (Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide)

    • Normal Range: 35 to 45 mmHg

    • Acidic: Greater than 45 mmHg

    • Alkaline: Less than 35 mmHg

  • HCO3 (Bicarbonate)

    • Normal Range: 22 to 26 mEq/L

    • Acidic: Less than 22 mEq/L

    • Alkaline: Greater than 26 mEq/L

  • PaO2 (Partial Pressure of Oxygen)

    • Normal Range: 80 to 100 mmHg

  • Oxygen Saturation

    • Normal Range: 95% to 100% saturation.

Hemoglobin A1C Test

  • Purpose: Helps determine the average glucose levels over the past three months.

  • Significance: Particularly useful for diabetes management.

Desired Hemoglobin A1C Values

  • Non-Diabetic: Less than 46%.

  • Diabetic: Target value should be less than 7%.

Common Drug Levels for NCLEX

  • Overview: A summary of normal therapeutic ranges for commonly encountered medications.

Drug Levels and Ranges

  • Digoxin: 0.5 to 2 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol): 4 to 10 micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL).

  • Dilantin: 10 to 20 micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL).

  • Theophylline: 10 to 20 micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL).

  • Phenobarbital: 15 to 40 micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL).

  • Lithium: 0.5 to 1.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

  • Valproic Acid (Depakote): 50 to 100 micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL).

Conclusion

  • Summary: This guide covers the essential lab values relevant for the NCLEX exam, with focus on lipid panels, arterial blood gases, hemoglobin A1C, and common drug levels.

  • Reminder: Engage with learning materials and stay updated for exam success!