help with interpretation of lab values- hyperthyroidism, acute TIA r/o CVA, L side we

[RNstudentc/o2010]

Hi, I just figured that these lab values were all related in some way, I just can't put my finger on it.

THe pt has a high RBC and high H&H. I know that this usually indicates anemia, but I was wondering how it ties in to his high BUN, high creatinine, how MCHC, low albumin/globulin ratio, and high anion gap. The EKG revealed sinus tachycardia, and the pt has a very irregular pulse. The pt is on synthroid, and I think that this is related. I don't think that the anemia, if it is anemia, is r/t diet b/c the pt eats a lot and the other lab values are WNL. The pt's admitting Dx is TIA r/o CVA; the pt refused an open MRI, and the CT scan only revealed non-specific white matter changes, and I know that this is usually seen with small vessel disease. The SaO2 is 94-95% and 1L O2/min is being infused via NC; shallow respirations, elevated rate.

I think that the H&H, RBC, BUN, creat, MCHC, albumin/globulin ratio are all related, but I just can't figure it out!

Thank you!

[smitty10]

hey there, i think that if you have a high RBC and H&H you are not anemic. an H&H is hemoglobin and hematocrit you could use this to check for dehydration if elevated as well as the oxygen carrying capacity.

polycythemia is a condition that could be caused by elevated RBC's.

you should get a hold of a "diagnostic test" book, it would let you know which labs are checked for a specific disease.

if a patient were taking Synthroid they would have hypothyroidism.

a TIA can be caused by impairment of blood flow to a specific region in the brain, they may treat this condition with thrombolytic therapy such as tPA.

i hope this helps you and happy studying :)

[RNstudentc/o2010]

Thank you for your help. I meant to write RBC and H&H low, BUN and creat high, alb-glob ratio low, and mchc high. Sorry about that! Do you know if the RBC and low H&H are r/t the high BUN and creat? Sorry for the confusion!