NUR 243 Dehydration Lab Values

Study Notes

Dehydration Lab Values

Monitor seven critical lab values to assess dehydration: Hematocrit, Serum Osmolality, Urine specific gravity, BUN, Serum Creatinine, Serum Sodium, Serum Potassium, and Serum Magnesium.
An increase in Hematocrit, Osmolality, specific gravity, creatinine, or BUN suggests probable dehydration.
Dehydration may lead to hypernatremia (high sodium) or hyponatremia (low sodium).
Potential electrolyte imbalances include hypokalemia (low potassium) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium).

Hematocrit Levels

Normal hematocrit range for men is 40% - 54%.
Normal hematocrit range for women is 36% - 46%.

Serum Osmolality

Normal serum osmolality ranges from 280 - 300 mOsm/kg, indicating fluid balance in the body.

Urine Specific Gravity

Normal urine specific gravity range is between 1.005 - 1.030, reflecting hydration status.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Normal BUN levels range from 10 - 20 mg/dL, indicating kidney function and hydration status.

Serum Creatinine

Normal serum creatinine levels are 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL, used to assess kidney function.

Serum Sodium

Normal serum sodium levels range from 135 - 145 mEq/L, vital for fluid balance and neurological function.

Serum Potassium

Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5 - 5.5 mEq/L, essential for nerve and muscle function.

Serum Magnesium

Normal serum magnesium levels range from 1.5 - 2.2 mg/dL, important for numerous biochemical reactions in the body.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key lab values to monitor for dehydration in NUR 243. This quiz covers vital lab values such as hematocrit, serum osmolality, and electrolyte levels that are crucial for understanding dehydration. Understand how changes in these values indicate dehydration severity.