So I get a call from the lab.....

[mindlor]

Your pt has a critical high potassium of 4.8.....seriously?

Then in the same sentence....your other pt is set for dialysis....tell the dialysis nurse to stop.....their creatinine is 4.1 and dialysis may not be safe....SERIOUSLY?

I told her to keep the numbers coming and to leave the interpretation to me....

SHEESH

[wyogypsy, RN]

I appreciate the calls as it is an extra check. I am secure enough that I don't get upset if they mention what they think I should do, after all - they may be speaking to someone new or someone without a lick of common sense and thankfully they did say something! I would rather have the calls than not have the calls.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

I don't think there is anyone upset about getting a call on a critical lab. I think the issue that OP had is with the lab telling the nurse how to treat the pt.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I don't think there is anyone upset about getting a call on a critical lab. I think the issue that OP had is with the lab telling the nurse how to treat the pt.

Exactly.

[eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN]

Reminds me of the monitor tech who called me to tell me my patient was in VT and told me that I "probably needed to go check on them." Ummm... yeah? And I probably should take the crash cart as I run to the room. Geez I think some monitor techs don't realize I studied rhythms and drugs etc.

[SleeepyRN]

We don't get a call from the lab unless K is over 6.0 And isn't normal K 3.5 to 5

Every parameter I now see is 3.5 to 5. However, in my first nursing course, our book stated 3.5 to 5.5. Yes, 4.8 is a little "up there" but critical? No way. The only issue I would have with the phone call is the lab prioritizing for the nurse. Thank you for the call, leave the nursing judgement to me, the nurse.