May 24, 2023

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Lab Values

2 minutes

Overview

BNP
1. Normal Value Range
2. Pathophysiology
3. Special considerations
4. Lab value elevations

Nursing Points General

Normal value range
1. 100 pg/mL
Pathophysiology
1. Increased pressure overload due to increased SVR or volume
2. Ventricular stretching causes release of BNP into bloodstream
3. BNP released to aid in stress due to overload by:
  1. Increases excretion of sodium in urine = natriuresis
    1. Sodium follows water
  2. Decreased intravascular volume
  3. Decreased workload on the heart = improved cardiac function
Special considerations
1. Lavender tube (EDTA)
2. NT-proBNP may be requested instead
  1. Submit in serum separator tube (tiger top)
Elevated lab values
1. >100 pg/mL – heart failure likely
2. The higher the value, the more likely the diagnosis of heart failure

Assessment

Assess patient for acute exacerbation of heart failure
1. Lung sounds
2. Oxygen status
  1. Need for supplemental oxygen
Radiographic evaluation
May need diagnostics for evaluation
1. Echocardiogram can determine contractility function

Therapeutic Management

Nursing Concepts

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By Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse & NCLEX Educator

4.3

127127 ratings

May 24, 2023

2 minutes

Overview

BNP
1. Normal Value Range
2. Pathophysiology
3. Special considerations
4. Lab value elevations

Nursing Points General

Normal value range
1. 100 pg/mL
Pathophysiology
1. Increased pressure overload due to increased SVR or volume
2. Ventricular stretching causes release of BNP into bloodstream
3. BNP released to aid in stress due to overload by:
  1. Increases excretion of sodium in urine = natriuresis
    1. Sodium follows water
  2. Decreased intravascular volume
  3. Decreased workload on the heart = improved cardiac function
Special considerations
1. Lavender tube (EDTA)
2. NT-proBNP may be requested instead
  1. Submit in serum separator tube (tiger top)
Elevated lab values
1. >100 pg/mL – heart failure likely
2. The higher the value, the more likely the diagnosis of heart failure

Assessment

Assess patient for acute exacerbation of heart failure
1. Lung sounds
2. Oxygen status
  1. Need for supplemental oxygen
Radiographic evaluation
May need diagnostics for evaluation
1. Echocardiogram can determine contractility function

Therapeutic Management