Nclex Lab Values Cheat Sheet For Nurses

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As a nurse, having a solid understanding of lab values is crucial for providing high-quality patient care. With so many different values to keep track of, it can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the NCLEX exam. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive NCLEX lab values cheat sheet for nurses, covering the most important values to know, along with tips and tricks for remembering them.

Why Lab Values Matter

Lab values are a critical component of patient care, as they provide valuable information about a patient's overall health and help guide treatment decisions. As a nurse, it's essential to understand what each lab value represents, what the normal ranges are, and how to interpret results. This knowledge will help you identify potential health issues, monitor patient progress, and make informed decisions about care.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are essential for maintaining proper bodily functions, such as nerve and muscle function, hydration, and pH balance. Here are the key electrolyte lab values to know:

• Sodium (Na+): 135-145 mmol/L
• Potassium (K+): 3.5-5.5 mmol/L
• Calcium (Ca2+): 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
• Magnesium (Mg2+): 1.5-2.5 mg/dL
• Phosphate (PO42-): 2.5-4.5 mg/dL

Blood Gases

Blood gases are a crucial component of respiratory and acid-base assessment. Here are the key blood gas lab values to know:

• pH: 7.35-7.45
• PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg
• PaO2: 75-100 mmHg
• HCO3-: 22-28 mmol/L
• Base Excess: -3 to +3 mmol/L

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The CBC is a fundamental lab test that provides information about the different components of blood. Here are the key CBC lab values to know:

• White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 4,500-11,000 cells/μL
• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.32-5.72 million cells/μL
• Hemoglobin (Hb): 13.5-17.5 g/dL
• Hematocrit (Hct): 40-54%
• Platelet Count: 150,000-450,000 cells/μL

Renal Function

Renal function tests provide valuable information about kidney function and help diagnose kidney disease. Here are the key renal function lab values to know:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 6-24 mg/dL
• Creatinine (Cr): 0.6-1.2 mg/dL
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): 90-120 mL/min/1.73m²

Liver Function

Liver function tests provide valuable information about liver function and help diagnose liver disease. Here are the key liver function lab values to know:

• Alanine Transaminase (ALT): 0-40 IU/L
• Aspartate Transaminase (AST): 0-40 IU/L
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): 30-120 IU/L
• Total Bilirubin: 0.1-1.2 mg/dL

Tips and Tricks for Remembering Lab Values

Here are some tips and tricks for remembering lab values:

• Use mnemonics: Create mnemonics to help you remember lab values, such as "Na+ is 135-145, K+ is 3.5-5.5, and Ca2+ is 8.5-10.5".
• Create a lab value chart: Create a chart or table with lab values and their corresponding ranges.
• Practice, practice, practice: Practice recalling lab values regularly to help solidify them in your memory.
• Use online resources: Utilize online resources, such as lab value cheat sheets and apps, to help you remember lab values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lab values are a critical component of patient care, and having a solid understanding of them is essential for providing high-quality care. By using the NCLEX lab values cheat sheet provided in this article, along with the tips and tricks for remembering lab values, you'll be well on your way to becoming a lab value expert. Remember to practice regularly and use online resources to help solidify lab values in your memory.

What's Next?

Now that you've read this article, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. Try recalling lab values without looking at the cheat sheet, and see how many you can remember. Share this article with your colleagues and friends, and encourage them to test their knowledge as well. Don't forget to comment below with any questions or topics you'd like to discuss further.

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