Is it worth memorizing random lab values?

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Just wondering if people have seen random lab values showing up on the NCLEX? Like, do I need to know the value of CPK? Or just knowing what it means if it is elevated? Or do I need to know it at all?

Just wondering how much effort I should put into memorizing. I'm not good at lab values in general, so still working on my basics.

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You can have any of the lab values on the test (YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT YA GONNA GET)!! If I was you, I would try to remember the basic ones to the Tig, and go over the rest of them a few times to at least know them. Go over them, over and over to get them in your head. Write them down, make FLASH CARDS!! Good Luck:)

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Learn one value from the range and you will be able to recognize when something is out of range. Don't look at it as a random memorization exercise. Instead get an understanding of the physiology involved.

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I think lab values are important to an extent... I recently took NCLEX and I honestly never had a question that said anything about lab values but I think it is important to know that if a question gives you a patient and their labs.. that you know whether they are high or low and what that means in regards to a patient. The important ones that I studied (which may not be important at all) were my CBC values (focused mainly on RBC, WBC, Platelets, HBG and HCT), Liver enzymes, Electrolytes and bleeding studies (PTT, PT, INR).

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I actually had quite a few lab values and ones I didn't expect. It is all random and there is no knowing how or what specifically to study. Try to so some lab value geared practice questions, there are only so many questions you can ask. You may see similar topics being asked. Good luck

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