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!!!
kmartin906 21 Posts Jan 9, 2012 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! :)
Music in My Heart 2 Articles; 4,102 Posts Specializes in being a Credible Source. Has 13 years experience. Jan 9, 2012 Flash cards and repetition always work for me.
GoalSeeker, BSN, RN 183 Posts Specializes in Neuro. Has 14 years experience. Jan 9, 2012 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 youI 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! :)
Chesh 10 Posts Jan 10, 2012 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.
AstronomyNerd86 17 Posts Jan 11, 2012 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
Cupcake89121 117 Posts Jan 12, 2012 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.
