Common Lab Values for the NCLEX Exam

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah Thruster, Nurse at Orion Comm
• Purpose: Review common lab tests for NCLEX and nursing practice
• Quiz: A free quiz is available to test knowledge on these lab values

Importance of Lab Values

• High probability of lab value questions on the NCLEX
• Blood work is critical in patient care to determine medical status
• Common lab tests are frequently used in hospital settings

Key Lab Tests to Know

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Cells Monitored:
  • Red Blood Cells (RBC)
  • White Blood Cells (WBC)
  • Platelets
• Normal Ranges:
  • RBC: 4.5 - 5.5 million
  • WBC: 5,000 - 10,000
  • Platelets: 150,000 - 400,000
• Key Terms:
  • Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count (< 150,000)
  • Leukopenia: Low white blood cell count (< 5,000)

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit

• Purpose: Assess red blood cells, important for blood transfusions
• Normal Ranges:
  • Female Hemoglobin: 12-16 g/dL
  • Female Hematocrit: 37-47%
  • Male Hemoglobin: 14-18 g/dL
  • Male Hematocrit: 42-52%

Coagulation Levels

• Tests: PT/INR, aPTT
• Warfarin (Coumadin):
  • PT: 10-12 seconds
  • INR: < 1 (not on warfarin), 2-3 (therapeutic on warfarin)
• Heparin: aPTT
  • Normal: 30-40 seconds (not on heparin)
  • Therapeutic: 60-80 seconds

Metabolic Panels

• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) & Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Monitors:
  • Electrolytes
  • Glucose
  • Renal Function
  • (CMP) Liver Function

Electrolyte Ranges

• Glucose: 70-100 mg/dL
• Calcium: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
• Chloride: 95-105 mEq/L
• Magnesium: 1.5-2.5 mg/dL
• Phosphorus: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
• Potassium: 3.5-5 mEq/L
• Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L

Renal Function

• BUN: 5-20
• Creatinine: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL

Liver Function

• Total Protein: 6.2-8.2 g/dL
• Albumin: 3.4-5.4 g/dL
• Liver Enzymes:
  • ALP: 40-120 U/L
  • ALT: 7-56 U/L
  • AST: 10-40 U/L

Bilirubin

• Normal: < 1 mg/dL
• High levels may cause jaundice

Lipid Panel

• Assesses: Cardiovascular risk
• Ranges:
  • LDL: < 100 mg/dL
  • HDL: > 60 mg/dL
  • Total Cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides: < 150 mg/dL

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

• pH: 7.35-7.45
• PCO2: 35-45 mmHg
• HCO3 (Bicarb): 22-26 mEq/L
• PO2: 80-100%
• Oxygen Saturation: 95-100%

Hemoglobin A1c

• Purpose: Average glucose over 3 months
• Ranges:
  • Non-diabetics: 4-6%
  • Diabetics: < 7%

Common Drug Levels

• Digoxin: 0.5-2 ng/mL
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): 4-10 µg/mL
• Dilantin: 10-20 µg/mL
• Theophylline: 10-20 µg/mL
• Phenobarbital: 15-40 µg/mL
• Lithium: 0.5-1.2 mmol/L
• Valproic Acid (Depakote): 50-125 µg/mL

Conclusion

• Reviewed essential lab values for NCLEX
• Encouragement to take the accompanying quiz
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