Lab Values Podcast by NURSING.com (Nursing Podcast, normal lab values for nurses for NCLEX®) by NURSING.com (NRSNG‪)‬ Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse & NCLEX Educator

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

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
 
What would cause increased levels?
Dehydration Azotemia Hypercalcemia Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic State (HHNS) Hypernatremia Diabetes Insipidus Hyperglycemia Mannitol therapy Uremia Severe pyelonephritis Shock Ketosis  
What would cause decreased levels?
Hyponatremia Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) Overhydration