nclex lab values?

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Does anyone know which lab values the nclex goes by? The lab values I've learned during school are different than the ones I've seen in the review books. For example, I've always been taught that normal potassium is 3.5-5.1, but in the review book it says it 3.5-5.5. There are so many different "normals" I don't know which ones are!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Step Down.

I think just know basic ranges. If NCLEX gives you an off value, it'll be WAY off and you'll know.

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Specializes in Family Planning, STD, OB/Gyn.
Does anyone know which lab values the nclex goes by? The lab values I've learned during school are different than the ones I've seen in the review books. For example, I've always been taught that normal potassium is 3.5-5.1, but in the review book it says it 3.5-5.5. There are so many different "normals" I don't know which ones are!

Thanks!

Just pick a resource that you are most comfortable with and learn just those lab values. The lab values won't be anywhere close to the normal if it is abnormal. =)

You'll know it is wrong when you look at the lab values they give you.

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Each hospital lab has their own references, as well, which may vary slightly. It isn't absolute across the board. I agree with the others, just know the general values, give or take about 10% on either side of a value. NCLEX questions writers know values (and resources) vary and will make incorrect values more obvious. In real life, the reference range is typically provided, for NCLEX-land, you have to know a general range.

Good luck!

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Take the general value range or go with one resource. You can't be expected to know the specific values looked for, unless provided with those values before the test.

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