Lab Values Podcast by NURSING.com (Nursing Podcast, normal lab values for nurses for NCLEX®) by NURSING.com (NRSNG)

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 levels?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Liver disease
Hyperthyroidism
Malnutrition
Malabsorption

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 levels?
Cushing Syndrome
Hyperaldosteronism
Dehydration
Burn injury
Azotemia (elevated nitrogen)
Lactic acidosis (LA)
Fever/excessive sweating
Excessive IV fluids containing sodium
Diabetes Insipidus
Osmotic diuresis

What would cause decreased levels?
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
Cystic Fibrosis
Diuretic use
Metabolic acidosis
Addison's Disease
Nephrotic Syndrome
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Ascites
Excessive Antidiuretic
Hormone(ADH)
Liver failure

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 in K+.

What would cause increased levels?
Renal failure
Hypoaldosteronism
Addison's disease
Injury to tissues
Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Ketoacidosis
Hyperventilation
Acidosis
Infection
Dehydration
Burns

What would cause decreased levels?
Hyperaldosteronism
Excess insulin
Alkalosis
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cystic Fibrosis
Cushing Syndrome

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: Hypofibrinogenemia
Von Willebrand Disease
Hemophilia

Liver disease: Cirrhosis

Vitamin K deficiency
Polycythemia
Dialysis

What would cause decreased levels?
N/A

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. The relationship between oxygen saturation (SaO2) and partial pressure
O2 (PaO2) is referred to as the oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) dissociation curve. SaO2 of about 90% is associated with PaO2 of about 60 mmHg.

What would cause increased levels?
Polycythemia
Increased inspired O2
Hyperventilation

What would cause decreased levels?
Anemia's
Hypoventilation
Bronchospasm
Mucus plugs
Atelectasis
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary edema
Adult respiratory distress syndrome