Common Lab Values for NCLEX and Nursing

Importance of Lab Values

• NCLEX exam often includes lab value questions.
• Blood work provides critical information about patient health.
• Common labs frequently encountered in nursing practice.

Key Lab Tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Red Blood Cells (RBC): Normal range is 4.5 to 5.5 million.
• White Blood Cells (WBC): Normal range is 5,000 to 10,000.
• Platelets: Normal range is 150,000 to 400,000.
• Terms:
  • Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count (<150,000).
  • Leukopenia: Low white blood cell count (<5,000).
• Hemoglobin & Hematocrit:
  • Female Hemoglobin: 12 to 16 g/dL.
  • Male Hemoglobin: 14 to 18 g/dL.
  • Female Hematocrit: 37% to 47%.
  • Male Hematocrit: 42% to 52%.

Coagulation Levels

• PT/INR (for Warfarin users):
  • Normal PT: 10 to 12 seconds.
  • Normal INR: <1 (non-anticoagulant users).
  • Therapeutic INR: 2 to 3 (for Warfarin effectiveness).
• aPTT (for Heparin users):
  • Normal aPTT: 30 to 40 seconds.
  • Therapeutic range: 60 to 80 seconds (1.5 to 2.5 times normal).

Metabolic Panels

• Basic (BMP) and Comprehensive (CMP):
  • Glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dL.
  • Calcium: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.
  • Chloride: 95 to 105 mEq/L.
  • Magnesium: 1.5 to 2.5 mg/dL.
  • Phosphorus: 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.
  • Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L.
  • Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L.
  • BUN: 5 to 20 mg/dL.
  • Creatinine: 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL.
• Liver Function Tests:
  • Total Protein: 6.2 to 8.2 g/dL.
  • Albumin: 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL.
  • Enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST): Abnormal levels may indicate liver disease.

Lipid Panels

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): <100 mg/dL.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): >60 mg/dL.
• Total Cholesterol: <200 mg/dL.
• Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)

• pH: 7.35 to 7.45. (<7.35 acidic, >7.45 alkaline)
• PCO2: 35 to 45 mmHg.
• Bicarbonate (HCO3): 22 to 26 mEq/L.
• PO2: 80 to 100 mmHg.
• Oxygen Saturation: 95% to 100%.

Hemoglobin A1C

• Normal (non-diabetic): 4% to 6%.
• Target for Diabetics: <7%.

Common Drug Levels

• Digoxin: 0.5 to 2 ng/mL.
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): 4 to 10 µg/mL.
• Dilantin: 10 to 20 µg/mL.
• Theophylline: 10 to 20 µg/mL.
• Phenobarbital: 15 to 40 µg/mL.
• Lithium: 0.5 to 1.2 mmol/L.
• Valproic Acid (Depakote): 50 to 100 µg/mL.

Conclusion

• Understanding these lab values is crucial for NCLEX and nursing practice.
• Ensure to memorize ranges as they provide insights into patient health and treatment efficacy.
• Take the free quiz to test your knowledge on these lab values.