Which book is the best for lab reference values when at clinicals?

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My prof said we should have a lab reference book for med/surg, which I am sure I will end up toting to clinicals. Should I go with one like Mosby's Diagnostic and Lab test Reference or one like LabNotes? I hate to spend money on things I won't use, so I really want the best on the first try...Anyone have any advise, I tried to look in past posts but there was so much variety that I couldn't decide. Thanks!!

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i think it's mosbys, we have davis on our pda's, i like the book better.

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Mosby has like, over 1000 pages, LabNotes has 200 and some....

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I went with the Labnotes. It has the lab values that you will see most often and is smaller.

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Specializes in Orthopedic, Corrections.

These are great for looking up what value ranges are and what the test results may mean, however remember that each lab will have their own reference range. It will be posted on the lab report, or in the computer. I use a little book called RN notes that fits in my pocket and has a lot of reference info in it not just lab values.

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

You can get either the Mosby or the little hand held flip, but honestly, I'd get a 3x5 card, write down the norms ***at the hospital used by your clinicals*** and then put wide clear packing tape over it to keep it from getting dirty/smeared. Keep in mind that while some things are set in stone (like HCO3 ranges) other things may be slightly different depending on what clinical lab your clinical site uses. I'd put down the following:

KCL

Mg

HGb/Hct

WBC/RBC

Lymphocytes

ABG values

APTT/PT/INR

BUN

Creat.

90% of the time, these tell you everything you need. Keep the big book in your bag for the unusual (and put your name all over it, because it will walk if you don't).

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Yeah, I know the lab values, what the prof wants is something to diagnose the meanings of low/high results and what condition each could mean....so we will know what is going on with our patient as we read the labs.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
Yeah, I know the lab values, what the prof wants is something to diagnose the meanings of low/high results and what condition each could mean....so we will know what is going on with our patient as we read the labs.

Decide for certain if you want something for your pocket or your bookshelf. I wouldn't take a full-size book to clinicals... things have a way of getting lost or growing legs.

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Specializes in hospice, ortho,clinical review.

I have Lab Notes (the spiral book) I also have a PDA but much prefer this little book.

Fits in my pocket perfect and it has what I think you're looking for. It will say for whatever lab what is the most likely cause(s) for an increase/decrease.

I can flip back and forth for different things (which is why I prefer this for labs rather than the PDA) and it's working well on my last 6 weeks of 12 hour clinicals before graduation :clpty:

Feels great to be able to answer questions that my instructor may throw at me.

HTH

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Yeah, went with the LabNotes. I have enough to tote around to clinicals. Thanks for the input!!

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