Lab values

[marilynmom]

I hear a lot of you talking about memorizing lab values. I thought maybe it might be a good idea for me to get familiar with lab valus this summer to make it easier on myself next semester for Med/Surge, etc.

So what are the lab values you all need to memorize? Are they standard?

THanks!

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Don't most schools allow you to have those RN or LPN Notes books that fit in your pocket? I got the LPN Notes and it has a whole section of lab values. I'm also planning to get some of that on my PDA, but this little book seems pretty handy.

Oh, yes, that's why I said something about not referring to reference books, only equipment, like clipboards. I have been in clinicals where you can only have what's in your pockets, and others where you can carry the box-type clipboard. The latter, btw, is something I ADORED last semester: plenty of room inside to stash those many papers that you need for that clinical that day, plus a calculator on the top. There was even room inside for carrying small reference books like PDQ or RN notes (I used PDQ myself).

Just didn't want to see anyone getting "stuff" before they were sure they were allowed it :)

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

It is unnecessary to memorize lab values because every laboratory establishes its own normal range based on each population of patients. Some normal ranges differ between males and female, kids and adults. So, to memorize these would be fruitless and a waste of time.

That being said, knowing the general ranges for a few analytes will come in handy. For instance:

Na 135-145

K+ 3.5-5.1

pH 7.35-7.45

Cl 100-108

Just recognize that when you actually get into practice these numbers may not be exactly what you see on the lab reports...

Good luck in your Med Surg class :)

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

Thanks everyone :) We had our orientation in May so I know what supplies I need and what I don't. As far as clipboards, my school said that was up to us if we wanted to use one or not. They are cheap ($8 for the type to store stuff in) so I wanted to get one to see if I liked it or not. I went and asked nursing students already in the program about which of the required equiptment they actually used and only bought that for now.

Lana, I've heard so many different things about those RN Notes, I guess you either like it or you don't apparently. Have you used yours a lot??

But that is good advice about not buying equipment until we know if we can even use it or not.

[vipereejayRN]

memorize routine tests.. i mean those which are usually taken when patient is admitted to the ED, like CBC, urinalysis, electrolytes, etc...depends on the area you are in..special tests like liver function, kidney function, or tumor markers may be familiarized when you will be dealing with patients of these diseases..

[mydarlingdarla]

marilynmom. . .the basic and most commonly ordered lab tests are electrolytes, cbc, urinalysis and i'd start with those. there are also popular "panels" such as the chem 7, coag panel, liver panel and a few others. you are looking to learn the normal ranges. there is not that much variation in the ranges that each hospital calls "normal".

the electrolytes are potassium, sodium, chloride and carbon dioxide. a bun (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine are often ordered as well. fasting blood sugar (serum glucose) is also very commonly ordered. there is a much more extensive chemistry panel that can be ordered.

this site from webmd has a list of links to information on all kinds of medical tests

http://www.webmd.com/a_to_z_guide/medical_tests.htm you might want to bookmark this. you have to look up the individual tests within the electrolyte panel at this site, but it will give you normal ranges. here is their page for the cbc (complete blood count)

http://www.webmd.com/hw/lab_tests/hw4260.asp

http://www.labtestsonline.org/ will also give you information about a lab test and what is included in lab panels, but not usually the normal ranges. they have information on the most commonly performed lab tests.

i would strongly recommend that if you can afford it, that you buy some sort of a reference handbook of laboratory and diagnostic tests. i have one that was published by mosby and it is a bit older, published in 1999. it includes blood tests, endoscopies, nuclear scans, ultrasound, x-rays, and lots of other things such as oximetry, pulmonary function tests, eegs, ekg, lumbar puncture, amniocentesis and many more. it's just one of those reference books that i find that i need to have around. it tells you what the tests are, why they might be ordered, preparation for them, normal findings, patient care and complications.

thank you for this posting. i'm having to learn lab values and i'm having a time. i need to understand about each item so i can remember it. do you have any suggestions?

[mydarlingdarla]

I have a cheat sheet I made for when I was in clinicals with the lab values, critical values and diseases associated w/ the deviations......PM me your email address and I'll forward it to you....

I would love to have this cheat sheat! I'm having to learn lab values and I'm having a time. I need to understand about each item so I can remember it. Do you have any additional suggestions?

[Vicky45]

I know this has been years ago but I would love to have that list if you have it. I am getting ready to take my NCLEX and this posting came up. Here is my email address [email protected] thanks again

[workingharder]

If you have a smart phone there are apps you can get that have basic lab values.

[Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN]

If you have an iphone, LabGear is a great resource. It has information about each test, The normal ranges for male/female, reasons for high/low, symptoms & even has a place for your own notes. Seriously the best $3 I have ever spent. Clinical instructors are always impressed with my lab knowledge. We are required to memorize lab values for my med-surg class. Usually the most common labs for each health alteration. These were similar to the ones that were posted previously.

[Vicky45]

Thanks but I dont have an iphone so this wont help me .