Lab Values

The evolve elsevier has a great website. I think knowing values are imperative, keep in mind though, each facility may have different numbers that they use. Our program has hammered values into us. Not only for your clinicals, but for the NCLEX. I also have the Nursing Central on my iPod and that has lab and diagnostic information. I like that app for a quick reference. What med-surg book are you using? They may have resources on-line. The evolve website has a lab value pdf, it's a great resource.

make note cards with the lab values on them..

like K+ is 3.5-4.5

write down what hypokalemia can cause/mean

write down what hyperkalemia can cause mean

eventually you'll learn it. keep your note cards close by so when you are doing labsheets you can reference it and then it should start to click :)

I do have the evolve website bookmarked on my computer and I also have Nursing central on my phone. Thnx I will have to check them out.

I will use note cards that sounds like a great idea. :yeah:

Also, (as an ADN grad myself).... in school you learn labs sort of 'as needed'....when you get out of school, and see the stuff ALL the time, it starts getting easier :) But it takes time to put it all together...

for those who still like to use actual books (and who may not be able to jump online when at a clinical setting), the best book i know for this is by joyce lefever kee, laboratory and diagnostic tests with nursing implications. i think it's up to its eighth edition now, and for good reason.

settle in with it some night and thumb through, and feel your readiness for care plans (and nclex) rise by leaps and bounds.