Help memorizing Lab values???

Nursing Students Student Assist

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In med surg, I have to memorize lab values (i.e. BMP, CBC, Lipid Panel, etc) and i'm having a hard time memorizing each of them, especially when the values are so similar.

My biggest problem right now is the differences in the BMP, Sodium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, all so similar and really killing my brain.

If anybody has any suggestions on how to memorize them? or maybe some mnemonics? I bought a Lab values made incredibly easy book, but it won't come in for a week or so and I have a test tuesday!

anything will help!!!

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I can help you with some of them! Sodium - The price of table salt is approximately $1.35 and $1.45 (Na+ 135-145 normal range)

Magnesium - "M" is 1/2 way through the alphabet ... (M is 1.5-2.5 normal range)

Calcium - the weather in California is between 89 and 101 degrees (Ca+ 8.9-10.1 normal range)

Potassium - Kermit the frog is about 4 years old (K+ 3.5-5.5 normal range)

Red Blood cells - about "5", then multiply by 3 and you get about "15" for Hemoglobin, multiply by another 3 and you get about "45" for Hematocrit

Hope these help a little bit! :)

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Flash cards and repetition always work for me.

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i need help with the exact same thing! sooo many numbers :bugeyes:

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Specializes in Neuro.

WOW after reading this I was able to retain it with no problen...now when I get to this point i should have no issues thank you

I can help you with some of them! Sodium - The price of table salt is approximately $1.35 and $1.45 (Na+ 135-145 normal range)

Magnesium - "M" is 1/2 way through the alphabet ... (M is 1.5-2.5 normal range)

Calcium - the weather in California is between 89 and 101 degrees (Ca+ 8.9-10.1 normal range)

Potassium - Kermit the frog is about 4 years old (K+ 3.5-5.5 normal range)

Red Blood cells - about "5", then multiply by 3 and you get about "15" for Hemoglobin, multiply by another 3 and you get about "45" for Hematocrit

Hope these help a little bit! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I can help you with some of them! Sodium - The price of table salt is approximately $1.35 and $1.45 (Na+ 135-145 normal range)

Magnesium - "M" is 1/2 way through the alphabet ... (M is 1.5-2.5 normal range)

Calcium - the weather in California is between 89 and 101 degrees (Ca+ 8.9-10.1 normal range)

Potassium - Kermit the frog is about 4 years old (K+ 3.5-5.5 normal range)

Red Blood cells - about "5", then multiply by 3 and you get about "15" for Hemoglobin, multiply by another 3 and you get about "45" for Hematocrit

Hope these help a little bit! :)

Do you have anymore of these? They're great.

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I can help you with some of them! Sodium - The price of table salt is approximately $1.35 and $1.45 (Na+ 135-145 normal range)

Magnesium - "M" is 1/2 way through the alphabet ... (M is 1.5-2.5 normal range)

Calcium - the weather in California is between 89 and 101 degrees (Ca+ 8.9-10.1 normal range)

Potassium - Kermit the frog is about 4 years old (K+ 3.5-5.5 normal range)

Red Blood cells - about "5", then multiply by 3 and you get about "15" for Hemoglobin, multiply by another 3 and you get about "45" for Hematocrit

Hope these help a little bit! :)

Those are AWESOME! I'm starting Med-Surg this week and I know I will be needing these! Thanks in advance!

Ashley

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My two cents -- don't just memorize it. KNOW IT. Just like you KNOW the normal HR, B/P, RR, Temp, etc. that should be your goal for lab values. This is probably one of the reasons we have to obtain all of the lab values for our patients and turn it in as part of the clinical worksheet. When you see and read and write something enough times it sticks with you. Read it. Write it. Read it. Write it. Read it and write it in different ways. I personally find this method more helpful than mnemonics but everyone is different. Anyway, it's worth a try if you fancy.

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