Normal and Abnormal Lab Values

Normal Lab Values

  • Creatinine (0.7-1.4 mg/dL)

    • Increased: Variable; can indicate acute vs chronic decreased renal function.

  • BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) (10-20 mg/dL)

    • Increased: Variable based on acute vs chronic conditions.

    • Dependent on protein intake: Higher protein intake can lead to elevated BUN levels.

  • Sodium (135-145 mEq/L)

    • Normal or Decreased: May reflect changes due to fluid status in the body.

  • Potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L)

    • Increased: Indicative of decreased renal function, as kidneys are responsible for potassium excretion.

  • Phosphorus (2.5-4.5 mg/dL)

    • Increased: Associated with decreased renal function, often seen in renal failure.

  • Calcium (8.6-10.2 mg/dL)

    • Decreased: Lower levels may result from decreased hormone production for Vitamin D, affecting calcium absorption and metabolism.

  • Magnesium (1.3-2.3 mg/dL)

    • Increased: Indicates decreased renal function as magnesium is usually excreted through urine.

  • Bicarbonate (22-26 mEq/L)

    • Decreased: Suggests loss of compensation for acid retention, which can occur in metabolic acidosis.

  • Hemoglobin (12.0-18.0 g/dL): gender-dependent

    • Decreased: Points to a decreased production of erythropoietin, which is influenced by kidney health.

  • Hematocrit (35-52%): gender-dependent

    • Decreased: Correlates with decreased hemoglobin production, similar to hemoglobin levels.

Urinalysis Abnormal Lab Values

  • Glucose (0 or <15 mg/dL)

    • Increased: Seen with elevated blood glucose values, often associated with diabetes mellitus.

  • Protein (<150 mg/dL)

    • Increased: Suggests glomerular damage or disease which may indicate kidney pathology.

  • Specific Gravity (1.010-1.025)

    • Decreased: Indicates renal tubular damage, reflecting the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.

  • Creatinine Clearance

    • 75-133 ml/min (male); 69-122 ml/min (female) Dependent on patient age

    • These values are generally based on an average age range of 40-50 years.

    • Decreased: Indicates a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which reflects kidney function.

References

  • Source: Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 13th edition

Additional Notes

  • Ranges and trends of lab values are crucial for accurate interpretation of patient status.

  • Patient history is essential to contextualize lab results, as values may vary based on individual circumstances.