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

By Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse & NCLEX Educator

Education Medicine

What's Lab Values Podcast by NURSING.com (Nursing Podcast, normal lab values for nurses for NCLEX®) by NURSING.com (NRSNG) about?

By Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse NCLEX Educator

Quick . . . is the aPTT within normal range? Are you sweating a bit? Nervous? Head over to NURSING.com/freebies for our free cheat sheet covering the 63 most important lab values for nurses. This podcast covers one essential lab value for episode including normal ranges, nursing considerations, and background information. Normal lab values are hard to keep straight. This show includes the most common including: Creatinine, WBC, BUN, aPTT, blood gasses, and more. Welcome to the Nursing family! For full disclaimer information visit nursing.com.

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Triglycerides (TG) Lab Values

09.27.2023

Normal <150 mg/dL 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 ...

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

09.27.2023 Triglycerides (TG) Lab Values Normal <150 mg/dL 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 ...
09.25.2023 Sodium (Na+) Lab Values 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 ...
09.20.2023 Potassium (K+) Lab Values 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 ...
09.18.2023 Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) Lab Values 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 ...
09.13.2023 Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) Lab Values 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 ...
09.11.2023 Osmolality Lab Values Normal 261 – 280 mOsm/kg Indications Monitor: Electrolyte balance Acid-Base balance Hydration Evaluate function of antidiuretic hormone. Description Osmolality is a measure of the particles in solution. The size, shape, and charge of the particles do not impact the osmolality ...
09.06.2023 Magnesium (Mg) Lab Values Normal 1.6 – 2.6 mg/dL Indications Monitor: Renal failure Chronic alcoholism Cardiac arrhythmias Description Magnesium (Mg) is a cation necessary for protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, muscle contraction, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) use, nerve impulse conduction, and blood clotting. Magnesium affects ...
09.04.2023 Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Lab Values Normal <70 mg/dL Indications Useful in determining risk of cardiovascular disease. Description Cholesterol is transported via lipoproteins. There are multiple types of lipoproteins and they each have slightly different functions: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, LDL, and very low-density lipoprotein ...
08.30.2023 Lactic Acid Lab Values Normal 0.3 -2.6 mmol/L Indications Determine cause of acidosis Evaluate tissue oxygenation Description Lactate (Lactic Acid) is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. Normally, the tissues use aerobic metabolism to breakdown glucose for energy and the byproduct is CO2 and H2O ...
08.28.2023 International Normalized Ratio (INR) Lab Values Normal 0.8 - 1.2 Therapeutic Levels of Warfarin 2.0 – 3.5 Indications Evaluate therapeutic doses of Warfarin Identify patients at higher risk for bleeding Identify cause of: Bleeding Deficiencies Description International normalized ratio(INR) takes results from a prothrombin time test ...
08.23.2023 High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Lab Values Normal >60 optimal mg/dL Indications Monitor risks of heart disease Description Cholesterol is transported via lipoproteins. There are multiple types of lipoproteins and they each have slightly different functions: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). HDL ...
08.21.2023 Glycosylated Hemoglobin(HgbA1c) Lab Values Normal 5.6-7.5 % of total Hgb Indications Assess control of blood sugars over a several month time frame Diagnose Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Description Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) is the combination of glucose and hemoglobin. When glucose is elevated in the blood ...
08.16.2023 Folic Acid Lab Values Normal 2 - 20 ng/mL Indications Diagnose megaloblastic anemia Monitor effects of long-term Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Identify Folate Deficiency Description Folic acid is an essential water soluble B vitamin. It is stored in the liver and is an important ...
08.14.2023 Ferritin Lab Values Normal 20-300 ng/mL Indications Diagnosing: Iron-deficiency anemiaH emochromatosis Monitor: Iron levels Description Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. It is formed in the liver spleen and bone marrow. Ferritin in the blood is usually proportional to stored ferritin. Ferritin ...
08.09.2023 Chloride (Cl- ) Lab Values Normal 96-108 mEq/L Indications Identify Acid-Base Imbalance Description Chloride (Cl-), an anion found in the blood, works together with sodium to help maintain oncotic pressure and water balance in the body. Chloride is inversely related to bicarbonate levels in the ...
08.07.2023 Calcium (Ca2+) Lab Values Normal 8.4-10.2 mg/dL Indications Identify problems with: Parathyroid Neuromuscular functions Diseases that affect bone Effectiveness of treatments. Description Calcium (Ca+), a positive ion in the body, is necessary for neuromuscular processes, bone mineralization, and hormonal secretion. The parathyroid gland and ...
08.02.2023 Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Lab Values Normal 12-37 U/L Indications Monitor progression of: Liver disease Response to treatments. Monitor liver toxic medications Description Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme primarily found in liver and heart cells, and to a smaller extent, AST can also be found ...
07.31.2023 Amylase Lab Values Normal 0-130 U/L Indications Diagnosing: Pancreatitis Pancreatic Duct Obstruction Macroamylasemia Trauma to Pancreas Description Amylase is made in the pancreas. It is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates to allow our body to absorb it. Monitoring amylase levels can help ...
07.28.2023 Survive NCLEX Prep - No More Drowning, Study Anywhere You Want (with NURSING.com) Hi NURSING.com family. You can now prep for the NCLEX Anywhere! We just released a new Podcast show, “NCLEX Flash Notes.” This is the perfect NCLEX review, and as ALWAYS, we have pulled out the MOST important info that you ...
07.26.2023 Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) Lab Values Normal 30-40 seconds Indications Identifying congenital deficiencies in clotting Monitoring heparin therapeutic levels (PT for warfarin) Monitoring effects of: Liver Disease Protein Deficiency Fat malabsorption on clotting Description Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is a test that measures the amount ...
07.24.2023 Prepping For The NCLEX with NURSING.com (Nursing Podcast, NCLEX® Review for nursing students to help you ace the NCLEX Exam) Hi NURSING.com family. Are you getting ready for the NCLEX?? This show is the perfect NCLEX review, and as ALWAYS, we have pulled out the MOST important info that you need to become an Amazing nurse! Listen in each week ...
07.24.2023 Urinalysis (UA) Lab Values Overview Urinalysis Color & Clarity Protein RBC WBC Glucose Specific gravity Ketones pH Bilirubin/Urobilinogen Nursing Points General Normal value range Color & Clarity Normal – Yellow Other colors Drug interactions Propofol – green Methylene blue – blue/green Trauma Red/Brown Liver ...
07.19.2023 White Blood Cell (WBC) Lab Values Overview White Blood Cells Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Abnormal values (high) Abnormal values (low) Nursing Points General Normal value range WBC 4500-10000/mcL Differential Neutrophils 40-60% Bands 3-5% >8% indicates signal to WBC for more production Infection or inflammation ...
07.17.2023 Troponin I (cTNL) Lab Values Overview Troponin I Normal value range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevations in lab values Nursing Points General Normal value range Typically, less than 0.035 ng/mL or less Can vary among institutions Has to be greater than the 99th percentile Pathophysiology Troponin ...
07.12.2023 Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Description: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is released from the anterior pituitary in response to low levels of thyroid hormone. TSH ...
07.10.2023 Red Blood Cell (RBC) Lab Values Overview Red blood cells Normal Value Range Patho Special considerations Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Nursing Points General Normal range Measured in millions Normal values Males 4.5-5.5 x106/mcL Females 4-4.9×106/mcL Pathophysiology Red Blood Cell generation ...
07.05.2023 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Prostate Specific Antigen in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Prostate Specific Antigen – PSA Description: Measurement of PSA in the bloodstream Used to diagnose and assess prostate health, size and function. Indications: ...
07.03.2023 Platelets (PLT) Lab Values Overview Platelets Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevated platelet levels Decreased platelet levels Nursing Points General Normal value ranges 100,000 – 450,000/mcL Also known as – Thrombocytes Pathophysiology Formed from Megakaryocyte Formed from bone marrow Produces 1000-3000 platelets Injury ...
06.28.2023 Lipase Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Lipase in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Lipase Description: Lipase Measurement of lipase in the blood Used to diagnose pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer An enzyme produced by the pancreas Aids in breakdown ...
06.26.2023 Iron (Fe) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of iron levels in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Iron – Fe Description: Measures the amount of Fe in the bloodstream. Evaluates: Sufficient Fe level oxygen transport proper hemoglobin & RBC production Iron ...
06.21.2023 Hemoglobin (Hbg) Lab Values Overview Hemoglobin Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevated hemoglobin Decreased hemoglobin Nursing Points General Normal value range Males – 13.5-16.5 g/dL Females – 12.0 – 15.0 g/dL Pathophysiology Protein attached to red blood cell Iron based protein 4 groups ...
06.19.2023 Hematocrit (Hct) Lab Values Overview Hematocrit Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevations in lab results Decreased HCT levels Nursing Points General Normal value range HCT measured in percentage Males – 41-50% Females – 36-44% Pathophysiology Measurement of total pRBCs compared to rest of ...
06.14.2023 Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate- ESR Description: The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures sedimentation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). In normal conditions, RBCs settle ...
06.12.2023 D-Dimer (DDI) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of D-Dimer in clinical practice Lab Test Name: D-Dimer- DDI Description: Measurement of D-Dimer evaluates the amount of byproduct produced as part of fibrinolysis D-dimer (DDI) is a product of fibrinolysis D-dimer levels ...
06.07.2023 C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of C-Reactive Protein in clinical practice Lab Test Name: C-Reactive Protein – CRP Description: C-reactive protein (CRP) is made in the liver in response to inflammation Measures CRP in the blood Increases quickly ...
06.05.2023 Creatinine (Cr) Lab Values Overview Creatinine Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevations in creatinine Decreases in creatinine Nursing Points General Normal values 0.7 – 1.4 mg/dL Pathophysiology Muscle breakdown and use Creatine -> creatinine Released into bloodstream Filtered through kidneys Excreted in urine ...
05.31.2023 Creatinine Clearance Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of measuring Creatinine Clearance in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Creatinine Clearance – CrCl Description: Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the blood. It then passes out of your body through urine. Creatinine is ...
05.29.2023 Cholesterol (Chol) Lab Values Overview Cholesterol Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Any special considerations when drawing the lab (i.e. on ice, etc.) Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Nursing Points General Normal values <200 mg/dL Pathophysiology Functions Essential in cell membrane ...
05.24.2023 Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Lab Values Overview BNP Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Lab value elevations Nursing Points General Normal value range 100 pg/mL Pathophysiology Increased pressure overload due to increased SVR or volume Ventricular stretching causes release of BNP into bloodstream BNP released to ...
05.22.2023 Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Lab Values Overview Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special Considerations Elevated Values Decreased Values Nursing Points General Normal value range 7-20 mg/dL Pathophysiology Protein broken into amino acids -> Ammonia Ammonia converted to urea Urea excreted via kidneys Special ...
05.17.2023 Total Bilirubin (T. Billi) Lab Values Overview Total bilirubin Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevations in Total bilirubin Nursing Points General Normal values 0.1-1.2 mg/dL Patho Breakdown product of RBCs Specifically heme (iron portion of hemoglobin) Transported to liver Bound with bile Excreted via GI ...
05.15.2023 Ammonia (NH3) Lab Values Overview Ammonia Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Nursing Points General Normal value range 19-60 mcg/dL Pathophysiology Byproduct of protein metabolism Proteins → ammonia Ammonia → urea via the liver ...
05.10.2023 Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK PHOS) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of alkaline phosphatase in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Alkaline Phosphatase – ALP Description: Measures amount of ALP in circulation Located in several places in the body: Liver Intestines Biliary tract Bones Placenta ...
05.08.2023 Albumin Lab Values Overview Albumin Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special Considerations Too High: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Too Low: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Nursing Points General Normal value range 3.5 – 6.0 g/dL Pathophysiology Produced in the liver Main protein of plasma Responsible for maintaining ...
05.03.2023 Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Lab Values Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Alanine Aminotransferase in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Alanine Aminotransferase – ALT Description: Measures amount of ALT, an enzyme produced by the liver, present in circulation Found in: Most abundantly in liver ...
05.01.2023 Glucose Lab Values Overview Glucose Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Hyperglycemia Hypoglycemia Nursing Points General Normal value 70-115 mg/dL Pathophysiology Consumed via diet Carbohydrates Glycolysis Creates net positive energy sources Insulin Produced in pancreas Required to force glucose into cell Deficiency in ...
04.22.2023 WBC Get a free nursing lab values cheat sheet at NURSING.com/63labs What is the Lab Name for White Blood Cell (WBC) Lab Values? White Blood Cell What is the Lab Abbreviation for White Blood Cell? WBC What is White Blood Cell ...
04.15.2023 Urinalysis Get a free nursing lab values cheat sheet at NURSING.com/63labs Overview Urinalysis Color & Clarity Protein RBC WBC Glucose Specific gravity Ketones pH Bilirubin/Urobilinogen Nursing Points General Normal value range Color & Clarity Normal – Yellow Other colors Drug interactions ...
04.08.2023 Troponin I Get a free nursing lab values cheat sheet at NURSING.com/63labs What is the Lab Name for Troponin I (cTNL) Lab Values? Troponin I What is the Lab Abbreviation for Troponin I? cTNL What is Troponin I in terms of Nursing ...
04.01.2023 Triglycerides Get a free nursing lab values cheat sheet at NURSING.com/63labs What is the Lab Name for Triglycerides (TG) Lab Values? Triglycerides What is the Lab Abbreviation for Triglycerides? TG What is Triglycerides in terms of Nursing Labs? Triglycerides (TG) are ...

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