What Lab Values to Memorize for NCLEX

Several posts have stated to memorize lab values.

I'm wondering which lab values. Naturally, I know to learn RBC, WBC, Platelets, and normal ABG chemistries/values -----but I'm wondering what other (of the hundreds!) I should memorize?

Thanks for your help.

I think you pretty much hit them: blood values (including PTT and PT, INR), urinalysis, ABGs. Anything that if it came back on a patient in your care would clue you in that there was something abnormal.

I can't recall more than that!

I think you're on the right track as well. Most NCLEX review books should have a table for some of the more common lab tests.

Saunders 3rd edition, Chapter 11 has an excellent lecture on lab values. If you have this book, you can check it out. Good Luck!!!:studyowl:

i wouldn't worry about it if i were you. if you get a question with lab values, you will probably be able to answer the question based on the other info anyway. i don't think i had any labs but for one abg, and the answer wasn't based on the values at all.

I know you are trying to know everything in preparing for the Nclex, but you just can't! You graduated from a nsg program......just remember what you were taught in school. The labs should be the common ones & you will be able to pick out the abnormal ones....if in fact you even get any questions on this. I just took it & only had one lab..... & it was very obvious it was way out of line. Good Luck!

BTW... I would suggest you do Saunders it is great for content & finding your weak areas!! Then the Kaplan CD trainer just puts it all together.

i agree with everyone else. i only got maybe 2 or 3 lab questions. also exam cram has a great pull out sheet with lab values on it. i can't and still can't remember all of the values just the overly used ones.

What is the Kaplan CD Trainer ? I'm taking the Kaplan Online Review. Are the "7 Tests" the same as the CD Trainer.

Yes it is, the 7 trainers are the same trainers on the CD. All the best.

serum electrolytes seem to come up alot such as potassium..

i think certain drugs with narrow theraputic windows would be good to such as digoxin, vancomycin, and lithium

Joanna Mcnurse...did u pay for the kaplan q bank? how is it going?