NCLEX ATI Flashcards: Lab Values

Lab Values

• Sodium: 136-145 mEq/L
• Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
• Total Calcium: 9.0-10.5 mg/dL
• Total Magnesium: 1.3-2.1 mg/dL
• Phosphorous: 3.0-4.5 mg/dL
• BUN: 10-20 mg/dL
• Creatinine: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL (Men), 0.5-1.1 mg/dL (Women)
• Glucose: 70-105 mg/dL
• HbA1c: ≤ 45 mg/dL; Women > 55 mg/dL
• LDL: < 130 mg/dL
• WBC: 5,000-10,000/mm³
• RBC: 4.7-6.1 (Men), 4.2-5.4 (Women)
• Hemoglobin: 14-18 (Men), 12-16 (Women)
• Hematocrit: 42-52% (Men), 37-47% (Women)
• Platelet: 150,000-400,000/mm³
• pH: 7.35-7.45
• pCO2: 35 to 45 mm Hg
• HCO3: 21-28 mmol/L
• pO2: 80-100 mmHg
• Normal PT: 11-12.5 sec; Normal INR: 0.7-1.8 (Therapeutic INR 2-3)
• Normal PTT: 30-40 sec (Therapeutic PTT 1.5 - 2x normal)

Medication Lab Values

• Digoxin: 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL
• Lithium: 0.8 to 1.4 mEq/L
• Dilantin: 10-20 mcg/mL
• Theophylline: 10 to 20 mcg/mL

Patient Safety and Considerations

• Latex Allergies: Be aware of cross-sensitivity with foods like bananas, avocados, and chestnuts.
• Order of Assessment: General sequence is Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation; for abdomen it's IAPP - Inspect, Auscultate, Percuss, Palpate.

Gait & Mobility

• Cane Walking: Follow COAL (Cane, Opposite, Affected, Leg).
• Crutch Walking: Good leg goes up first ("step up") followed by crutches, then affected leg. Opposite for going down ("up to heaven, down to hell").
• 3-Point Gait: For non-weight bearing on a leg.

Delegation of Tasks

• RNs should not delegate tasks they can EAT (Evaluate, Assess, Teach).
• Nursing assistants can perform tasks like vital signs and bathing but cannot interpret results.
• PN (Practical Nurse) tasks may be delegated under RN supervision after competency is established.

Infection Control

• Medical Asepsis: Clean technique.
• Surgical Asepsis: Sterile technique.

Transmission-Based Precautions

• Airborne Precautions: For Measles, Chickenpox, TB; requires negative pressure room and masks.
• Droplet Precautions: For Sepsis, Scarlet Fever, Strep, etc.; requires private rooms and masks.
• Contact Precautions: For MRSA, RSV, etc.; requires gloves, gowns, and private rooms.

Oxygen Delivery

• Venturi Mask: Delivers 4-10 L/min, precise for patients with chronic lung disease (COPD).
• Aerosol Mask/Face Tent: Suitable for patients with facial trauma or similar conditions.