lab values

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So were starting on the lovely lab values!! I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks for what helped you memorize them. Usually if I remember something because of something it just works, if that makes any sense. Like i LOVE pneumatics and that type stuff. Just looking for some input.

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I don't know any mnemonics but I'm hoping someone will share some...otherwise I just find notecards help with learning these!

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I just bought a guide. I have a pocket one that is great for clinicals and a full sized one that really helps for careplans and case studies. The full one even has nursing implications based on lab values. Has been a lifesaver. Both are by davis and are around $25 on amazon

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I just bought a guide. I have a pocket one that is great for clinicals and a full sized one that really helps for careplans and case studies. The full one even has nursing implications based on lab values. Has been a lifesaver. Both are by davis and are around $25 on amazon

What is the name of the book?

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thatpasunshine, do you have Davis's Comprehensive Handbook of Lab Data and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications? That's the fullsize one I have, and it is very thorough. I would love to know which pocket-size book you have - that'd be awesome to bring to clinicals!

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thatpasunshine, do you have Davis's Comprehensive Handbook of Lab Data and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications? That's the fullsize one I have, and it is very thorough. I would love to know which pocket-size book you have - that'd be awesome to bring to clinicals!

Yes that is the one. The pocket one is called lab notes also by davis. It is a spiral bound flipbook that you can write on and erase with dry erase markers or those special wax pencils. You can get it from amazon $25.00

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You can get Labs360 as a download onto your phone or PDA FOR 29.95. A fantastic resource. I used it in school and use it at work. Even though all our lab results have low and high parameters on them and tell you if the patient is outside, I use it to remind myself what the values mean and often pull out my PDA to explain them to the family or patient.

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Don't know if you learned about ABG values yet that might be later on but i use

PH: acid 7.35- 7.45 Alkaline

PaCO2: Alkaline 35 - 45 Acid

HCO3: Acid 22- 26 Alkaline

I remember that the blood Ph is 7.35 to 7.45 and 7.34 and less is acidic bc that comes before alkaline(in the alphabet) and then the Paco2 is 35 - 45 which is the end numbers of the ph and less then 35 is alkaline. So the columns of acid and alkaline go down.. I don't know if i explained it very well but that's how i remember it for tests to figure out in there in resp or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. If you need to be try and explain it more let me know

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