Knowing the different normal lab values is an important step in making an informed clinical decision as a nurse. Diagnostic and laboratory tests are tools that provide invaluable insights and information about the patient. Lab tests are used to help confirm a diagnosis, monitor an illness, and the patient’s response to treatment. Show
In the NCLEX, some questions supply laboratory results with no indication of the normal lab levels so you’ll have to familiarize yourself with them. NCLEX will not give you values that are within the normal range. Questions will usually include critical lab values and it’s a matter of identifying if it’s within normal range or not. Please note that laboratory values may vary from agency to agency.
Download Free Normal Lab Values Cheat SheetYou can download a summary or cheat sheet of this normal laboratory values guide below. Simply click on the images above to get the full resolution format that you can use for printing or sharing. Feel free to share these cheat sheets for normal lab values! Phases of Diagnostic TestingDiagnostic testing involves three phases: pretest, intratest, and post-test. Nurses have responsibilities for each phase of diagnostic testing. Before the procedureIn the pretest, the main focus is on preparing the client for the diagnostic procedure. Responsibilities during pretest include:
During the procedureDuring intratest, the main focus is specimen collection and performing or assisting with certain diagnostic procedures. Additional responsibilities during intratest are:
After the procedureDuring the last part of diagnostic testing, the nursing care revolves around observations and follow-up activities for the patient. For example, if a contrast media was injected during a CT scan, the nurse should encourage the patient to increase fluid intake to promote excretion of the dye. Additional responsibilities during post-test include:
Erythrocyte Studies Normal Lab ValuesHere are the normal lab values related to erythrocyte studies which include hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, serum iron, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Venous blood is used as a specimen for complete blood count (CBC) which is a basic screening test that is frequently ordered to give an idea about the health of a patient. Red Blood Cells (RBC) Normal Lab ValuesRed blood cells or erythrocytes transport oxygen from the lungs to the bodily tissues. RBCs are produced in the red bone marrow, can survive in the peripheral blood for 120 days, and are removed from the blood through the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. Indications of RBC count:
Normal values for red blood cell count:
Hemoglobin (Hgb)Hemoglobin is the protein component of red blood cells that serves as a vehicle for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. It is composed of a pigment (heme) which carries iron, and a protein (globin). The hemoglobin test is a measure of the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Indications of hemoglobin count:
Normal and critical values chart for hemoglobin count:
Hematocrit (Hct)Hematocrit or packed cell volume (Hct, PCV, or crit) represents the percentage of the total blood volume that is made up of the red blood cell (RBC). Normal and critical values for hematocrit count:
Increased hematocrit levels may indicate:
Decreased hematocrit levels may indicate:
Red Blood Cell IndicesRed blood cell indicates (RBC Indices) determine the characteristics of an RBC. It is useful in diagnosing pernicious and iron deficiency anemias and other liver diseases.
Normal Lab Values for RBC Indices are:
Serum Iron (Fe)Iron is essential for the production of blood helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Normal lab values for serum iron:
Indication of serum iron:
Increased serum iron levels may indicate:
Decreased serum iron levels:
Nursing considerations for serum iron:
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a measurement of the rate at which erythrocytes settle in a blood sample within one hour. Normal lab values for erythrocyte sedimentation rate:
Indication for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate:
Increased ESR levels may indicate:
Decreased ESR levels may indicate:
Nursing consideration
Coagulation Studies Normal Lab ValuesPhysicians order coagulation studies such as platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, bleeding time, and D-dimer to evaluate the clotting function of an individual. In this section, we’ll discuss the indications and nursing implications of each lab test. Platelets (Pt), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), FibrinogenPlatelets are produced in the bone marrow and play a role in hemostasis. Platelets function in hemostatic plug formation, clot retraction, and coagulation factor activation. Normal and critical values for platelet count and mean platelet volume:
Normal and critical values for fibrinogen:
Increased platelet count (Thrombocytosis) may indicate:
Decreased platelet count (Thrombocytopenia) may indicate:
Nursing considerations for platelet count:
Bleeding Time Normal Lab ValuesBleeding time assess the overall hemostatic function (platelet response to injury and vasoconstrictive ability). Indication for Bleeding Time
Prolonged bleeding time or increased levels may indicate:
Nursing Considerations for Bleeding Time
Normal Values for Bleeding Time
D-Dimer TestD-Dimer is a blood test that measures clot formation and lysis that results from the degradation of fibrin. Indication of D-Dimer Test
Normal Lab Value for D-Dimer:
Prothrombin Time, International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR)Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein produced by the liver that is essential for fibrin clot formation. Each laboratory establishes a normal or control value based on the method used to perform the PT test. The PT measures the amount of time it takes in seconds for clot formation, the international normalized ratio (INR) is calculated from a PT result to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin. Indication for PT and INR
Normal and Critical Lab Values for Prothrombin Time (PT):
Normal and Critical Lab Value for International Normalized Ratio (INR) The INR standardizes the PT ratio and is calculated in the laboratory setting by raising the observed PT ratio to the power of the international sensitivity index specific to the thromboplastin reagent used.
Increased prothrombin time may indicate:
Decreased prothrombin time may indicate:
Nursing Care for Prothrombin Time
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) evaluates the function of the contact activation pathway and coagulation sequence by measuring the amount of time it requires for recalcified citrated plasma to clot after partial thromboplastin is added to it. The test screens for deficiencies and inhibitors of all factors, except factors VII and XIII. Normal and critical lab values for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT):
Indication for APTT:
Increased APTT levels may indicate:
Decreased APTT levels may indicate:
Nursing consideration for APTT:
White Blood Cells and DifferentialThe normal laboratory value for WBC count has two components: the total number of white blood cells and differential count. White Blood Cells (WBC)White blood cells act as the body’s first line of defense against foreign bodies, tissues, and other substances. WBC count assesses the total number of WBC in a cubic millimeter of blood. White blood cell differential provides specific information on white blood cell types:
Normal and critical lab values for white blood cell count:
Normal lab values for WBC differential:
Increased WBC count (Leukocytosis) may indicate:
Decreased WBC count (Leukopenia) may indicate:
Nursing consideration for WBC count:
Serum Electrolytes Normal Lab ValuesElectrolytes are minerals that are involved in some of the important functions in our body. Serum electrolytes are routinely ordered for a patient admitted to a hospital as a screening test for electrolyte and acid-base imbalances. Here we discuss the normal lab values of the commonly ordered serum tests: potassium, serum sodium, serum chloride, and serum bicarbonate. Serum electrolytes may be ordered as a “Chem 7” or as a “basic metabolic panel (BMP)”. Serum Sodium (Na+) Normal Lab ValuesSodium is a major cation of extracellular fluid that maintains osmotic pressure and acid-base balance, and assists in the transmission of nerve impulses. Sodium is absorbed from the small intestine and excreted in the urine in amounts dependent on dietary intake. Normal and critical values for serum Sodium (Na+):
Indications for Serum Sodium
Increased sodium levels (Hypernatremia) may indicate:
Decreased sodium levels (Hyponatremia) may indicate:
Nursing consideration for Serum Sodium
Serum Potassium (K+)Potassium is the most abundant intracellular cation that serves important functions such as regulate acid-base equilibrium, control cellular water balance, and transmit electrical impulses in skeletal and cardiac muscles. Normal and critical values for Potassium (K+):
Indications for Serum Potassium
Increased potassium levels (Hyperkalemia) may indicate:
Decreased potassium levels (Hypokalemia) may indicate:
Nursing Considerations for Serum Potassium
Serum Chloride (Cl-)Chloride is a hydrochloric acid salt that is the most abundant body anion in the extracellular fluid. Functions to counterbalance cations, such as sodium, and acts as a buffer during oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in red blood cells (RBCs). Aids in digestion and maintaining osmotic pressure and water balance. Normal and critical values for Chloride (Cl-):
Increased chloride levels (Hyperchloremia) may indicate:
Decreased chloride levels (Hypochloremia) may indicate:
Nursing Considerations for Serum Chloride
Magnesium (Mg)Magnesium is used as an index to determine metabolic activity and renal function. Magnesium is needed in the blood-clotting mechanisms, regulates neuromuscular activity, acts as a cofactor that modifies the activity of many enzymes, and has an effect on the metabolism of calcium. Normal and critical values for Magnesium (Mg):
Increased magnesium levels (Hypermagnesemia) may indicate:
Decreased magnesium levels (Hypomagnesemia) may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
Serum OsmolalitySerum osmolality is a measure of the solute concentration of the blood. Particles include sodium ions, glucose, and urea. Serum osmolality is usually estimated by doubling the serum sodium because sodium is a major determinant of serum osmolality. Normal and critical values for Serum Osmolality:
Serum Bicarbonate (HCO3-)Part of the bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffering system and mainly responsible for regulating the pH of body fluids. Normal and critical values for Serum Bicarbonate (HCO3-):
Nursing consideration for Serum Bicarbonate
Phosphorus (P)Phosphorus (Phosphate) is important in bone formation, energy storage and release, urinary acid-base buffering, and carbohydrate metabolism. Phosphorus is absorbed from food and is excreted by the kidneys. High concentrations of phosphorus are stored in bone and skeletal muscle. Normal and critical values for Phosphorus (P):
Increased phosphorus levels (Hyperphosphatemia) may indicate:
Decreased phosphorus levels (Hypophosphatemia) may indicate:
Nursing Consideration
Total Calcium (Ca+), Ionized CalciumCalcium (Ca+) is a cation absorbed into the bloodstream from dietary sources and functions in bone formation, nerve impulse transmission, and contraction of myocardial and skeletal muscles. Calcium aids in blood clotting by converting prothrombin to thrombin. Normal and critical values for Total Calcium (Ca):
Normal and critical values for Ionized Calcium:
Increased calcium levels (Hypercalcemia) may indicate:
Decreased calcium levels (Hypocalcemia) may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
Renal Function Studies Normal Lab ValuesIn this section, we’ll be discussing the normal laboratory values of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, including their indications and nursing considerations. These laboratory tests are helpful in determining the kidney function of an individual. Serum Creatinine (Cr), Creatinine (Urine), and Creatinine Clearance (CrCl)Creatinine is a specific indicator of renal function. Increased levels of creatinine indicate a slowing of the glomerular filtration rate. Normal and critical values for Creatinine (Serum):
Normal values for Creatinine (Urine):
Normal lab values for Creatinine Clearance (CrCl):
Increased creatinine levels may indicate:
Decreased creatinine levels may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)Urea nitrogen is the nitrogen portion of urea, a substance formed in the liver through an enzymatic protein breakdown process. Urea is normally freely filtered through the renal glomeruli, with a small amount reabsorbed in the tubules and the remainder excreted in the urine. Elevated levels indicate a slowing of the glomerular filtration rate. Normal lab values and critical values for Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN):
Normal value for Estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):
Increased blood urea nitrogen levels may indicate:
Decreased blood urea nitrogen levels may indicate:
Nursing consideration
Liver Function Studies Normal Lab ValuesConditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract can be easily evaluated by studying the normal laboratory values of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, albumin, ammonia, amylase, lipase, protein, and lipids. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test is used to identify hepatocellular injury and inflammation of the liver and to monitor improvement or worsening of the disease. ALT was formerly known as serum pyretic transaminase (SGPT). Normal values for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT, SGPT):
Increased Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Decreased Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels:
Nursing Considerations
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) test is used to evaluate a client with a suspected hepatocellular disease, injury, or inflammation (may also be used along with cardiac markers to evaluate coronary artery occlusive disease). AST was formerly known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). Normal values for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST, SGOT):
Increased Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) levels may indicate:
Decreased Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) levels may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
BilirubinBilirubin is produced by the liver, spleen, and bone marrow and is also a by-product of hemoglobin breakdown. Total bilirubin levels can be broken into direct bilirubin, which is excreted primarily via the intestinal tract, and indirect bilirubin, which circulates primarily in the bloodstream. Total bilirubin levels increase with any type of jaundice; direct and indirect bilirubin levels help differentiate the cause of jaundice. Normal values and critical values for total, direct, and indirect bilirubin:
Increased conjugated (direct) bilirubin levels may indicate:
Increased unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin levels may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
AlbuminAlbumin is the main plasma protein of blood that maintains oncotic pressure and transports bilirubin, fatty acids, medications, hormones, and other substances that are insoluble in water. Albumin is increased in conditions such as dehydration, diarrhea, and metastatic carcinoma; decreased in conditions such as acute infection, ascites, and alcoholism. Presence of detectable albumin, or protein, in the urine is indicative of abnormal renal function. Normal lab values for Albumin:
Increased albumin levels (Hyperalbuminemia) may indicate:
Decreased albumin levels (Hypoalbuminemia) may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
AmmoniaAmmonia is a by-product of protein catabolism; most of it is created by bacteria acting on proteins present in the gut. Ammonia is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys as urea. Elevated levels resulting from hepatic dysfunction may lead to encephalopathy. Venous ammonia levels are not a reliable indicator of hepatic coma. Normal values for Ammonia:
Nursing Considerations
AmylaseAmylase is an enzyme, produced by the pancreas and salivary glands, aids in the digestion of complex carbohydrates and is excreted by the kidneys. In acute pancreatitis, the amylase level may exceed five times the normal value; the level starts rising 6 hours after the onset of pain, peaks at about 24 hours, and returns to normal in 2 to 3 days after the onset of pain. In chronic pancreatitis, the rise in serum amylase usually does not normally exceed three times the normal value. Normal values for amylase:
Increased amylase levels may indicate:
Decreased amylase levels may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
LipaseLipase is a pancreatic enzyme converts fats and triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. Elevated lipase levels occur in pancreatic disorders; elevations may not occur until 24 to 36 hours after the onset of illness and may remain elevated for up to 14 days. Normal values for Lipase:
Increased lipase levels may indicate:
Decreased lipase levels may indicate:
Nursing Consideration
Serum ProteinSerum protein reflects the total amount of albumin and globulins in the plasma. Protein regulates osmotic pressure and is necessary for the formation of many hormones, enzymes, and antibodies; it is a major source of building material for blood, skin, hair, nails, and internal organs. Increased in conditions such as Addison’s disease, autoimmune collagen disorders, chronic infection, and Crohn’s disease. Decreased in conditions such as burns, cirrhosis, edema, and severe hepatic disease. Normal values for Total Protein (Serum):
Increased protein levels may indicate:
Decreased protein levels may indicate:
Glucose Studies Normal Lab ValuesUnderstanding the normal laboratory values of blood glucose is an essential key in managing diabetes mellitus. Included in this section are the lab values and nursing considerations for glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar, glucose tolerance test, and diabetes mellitus antibody panel. Fasting Blood GlucoseFasting blood glucose or fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels are used to help diagnose diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia. Glucose is a monosaccharide found in fruits and is formed from the digestion of carbohydrates and the conversion of glycogen by the liver. Glucose is the main source of cellular energy for the body and is essential for brain and erythrocyte function. Normal values for Glucose Studies:
Increased glucose levels (Hyperglycemia) may indicate:
Increased postprandial glucose levels (Postprandial hyperglycemia) may indicate:
Decreased glucose levels (Hypoglycemia) may indicate:
Decreased postprandial glucose levels (Postprandial hypoglycemia) may indicate:
Nursing consideration:
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)The glucose tolerance test (GTT) aids in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. If the glucose levels peak at higher than normal at 1 and 2 hours after injection or ingestion of glucose and are slower than normal to return to fasting levels, then diabetes mellitus is confirmed. Normal values for Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT):
Abnormal Glucose tolerance test may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)Glycosylated hemoglobin is blood glucose bound to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin A₁C (glycosylated hemoglobin A; HbA1c) is a reflection of how well blood glucose levels have been controlled for the past 3 to 4 months. Hyperglycemia in clients with diabetes is usually a cause of an increase in the HbA1c. Reference values for Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c):
Increased Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels may indicate:
Decreased Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels may indicate:
Nursing Consideration
Diabetes Mellitus Autoantibody PanelUsed to evaluate insulin resistance and to identify type 1 diabetes and clients with a suspected allergy to insulin. Normal Lab Value for DM Autoantibody Panel:
Increased levels may indicate:
Lipoprotein Profile (Lipid Profile) Normal Lab ValuesLipid assessment or lipid profile includes total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides.
Normal and critical lab values for Lipid Profile:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Increased HDL levels may indicate:
Decreased HDL levels may indicate:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) Increased LDL and VLDL levels may indicate:
Decreased LDL and VLDL Levels may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
Cardiac Markers and Serum EnzymesSerum enzymes and cardiac markers are released into the circulation normally following a myocardial injury as seen in acute myocardial infarction (MI) or other conditions such as heart failure. Creatine Kinase (CK)Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in muscle and brain tissue that reflects tissue catabolism resulting from cell trauma. The CK level begins to rise within 6 hours of muscle damage, peaks at 18 hours, and returns to normal in 2 to 3 days. The test for CK is performed to detect myocardial or skeletal muscle damage or central nervous system damage. Isoenzymes include CK-MB (cardiac), CK-BB (brain), and CK-MM (muscles):
Normal values for total creatine kinase (CK):
Normal values for total CK isoenzymes:
Increased levels of total creatine phosphokinase (CPK):
Increased levels of CPK-BB isoenzyme:
Increased levels of CPK-MB isoenzyme:
Increased levels of CPK-MM isoenzyme:
Nursing Considerations
MyoglobinMyoglobin, an oxygen-binding protein that is found in striated (cardiac and skeletal) muscle, releases oxygen at very low tensions. Any injury to skeletal muscle will cause a release of myoglobin into the blood. Myoglobin rise in 2-4 hours after an MI making it an early marker for determining cardiac damage. Normal Lab Values for Myoglobin
Myoglobin Increased myoglobin levels:
Nursing Considerations
Troponin I and Troponin TTroponin is a regulatory protein found in striated muscle (myocardial and skeletal). Increased amounts of troponin are released into the bloodstream when an infarction causes damage to the myocardium. Troponin levels are elevated as early as 3 hours after MI. Troponin T and Troponin I start to rise after 4-6 hours and peaks at 10-24 hours. Troponin T returns to normal values after 10 days. Troponin I returns—normal values after 4 days. Serial measurements are important to compare with a baseline test; elevations are clinically significant in the diagnosis of cardiac pathology. Normal values for Troponins:
Increased troponin levels may indicate:
Nursing Considerations
Natriuretic PeptidesNatriuretic peptides are neuroendocrine peptides that are used to identify clients with heart failure. There are three major peptides:
BNP is the primary marker for identifying heart failure as the cause of dyspnea. The higher the BNP level, the more severe the heart failure. If the BNP level is elevated, dyspnea is due to heart failure; if it is normal, the dyspnea is due to a pulmonary problem. Normal values for Natriuretic Peptides:
Natriuretic peptides Increased natriuretic peptides levels:
Nursing Considerations
HIV and AIDS TestingThe following laboratory tests are used to diagnose human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Common tests used to determine the presence of antibodies to HIV include ELISA, Western blot, and Immunofluorescence assay (IFA).
CD4+ T-cell countsCD4+ T-cell counts help Monitors the progression of HIV. As the condition progresses, usually the number of CD4+ T-cells decreases, with a resultant decrease in immunity. In general, the immune system remains healthy with CD4+ T-cell counts higher than 500 cells/L. Immune system problems occur when the CD4+ T-cell count is between 200 and 499 cells/L. Severe immune system problems occur when the CD4+ T-cell count is lower than 200 cells/L. Normal values for HIV and AIDS Testing:
Increased CD4+ T-cell counts may indicate:
Decreased CD4+ T-cell counts may indicate:
Thyroid Studies Normal Lab ValuesThyroid studies are performed if a thyroid disorder is suspected. Common laboratory blood tests such as thyroxine, TSH, T4, and T3 are done to evaluate thyroid function. Thyroid studies help differentiate primary thyroid disease from secondary causes and from abnormalities in thyroxine-binding globulin levels. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies test may be done to identify the presence of autoimmune conditions involving the thyroid gland. Normal values for thyroid function tests:
Triiodothyronine (T₃) Increased triiodothyronine levels may indicate:
Decreased triiodothyronine levels may indicate:
Thyroxine (T₄) Increased thyroxine levels may indicate:
Decreased thyroxine levels may indicate:
Thyroxine, free (FT₄) Increased Thyroxine, free (FT₄) levels may indicate:
Decreased Thyroxine Levels may indicate:
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin) Abnormal findings:
Nursing Considerations
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Normal Lab ValuesArterial Blood Gases (ABGs) are measured in a laboratory test to determine the extent of compensation by the buffer system. It measures the acidity (pH) and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood. Blood for an ABG test is taken from an artery whereas most other blood tests are done on a sample of blood taken from a vein. To help you interpret ABG results, check out our 8-Step Guide to ABG Analysis Tic-Tac-Toe Method. Normal values for arterial blood gasses (ABG):
Increased pH levels (Alkalosis) Metabolic alkalosis may indicate:
Respiratory alkalosis may indicate:
Decreased pH (Acidosis) Metabolic acidosis may indicate:
Respiratory acidosis may indicate:
Pco2 Increased Pco2 levels may indicate:
Decreased Pco2 levels may indicate:
Po2 and O2 content Increased Po2, increased O2 content may indicate:
Decreased Po2, increased O2 content may indicate:
HCO3 Increased HCO3 levels may indicate:
Decreased HCO3 levels may indicate:
Hepatitis TestingSerological tests for specific hepatitis virus markers assist in determining the specific type of hepatitis. Tests for hepatitis include radioimmunoassay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Reference guide for hepatitis testing:
Nursing Considerations
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Normal Lab ValuesMonitoring the therapeutic levels of certain medications is often conducted when the patient is taking medications with a narrow therapeutic range where a slight imbalance could be critical. Drug monitoring includes drawing blood samples for peak and trough levels to determine if blood serum levels of a specific drug are at a therapeutic level and not a subtherapeutic or toxic level. The peak level indicates the highest concentration of the drug in the blood serum while the trough level represents the lowest concentration. The following are the normal therapeutic serum medication levels:
How to Obtain a Blood SampleA phlebotomist or a nurse with training and certification in collecting a blood sample are allowed to perform venipuncture for the purpose of blood specimen collection. These are the steps to follow in obtaining a blood sample:
References and SourcesSuggested reading and additional resources for this Normal Laboratory Values guide:
What blood cells would the nurse expect to find elevated as the result of infection?See Figure 9.22 for an illustration of a complete blood count with differential. When there is an infection or an inflammatory process somewhere in the body, the bone marrow produces more WBCs (also called leukocytes), releasing them into the blood where they move to the site of infection or inflammation.
Which condition would the nurse associate with a laboratory finding reflecting an increased number of eosinophils?Eosinophilia. Eosinophilia is typically associated with parasitic infections, skin diseases and allergic disorders.
Which diagnostic test would evaluate the rate and adequacy of erythrocyte production quizlet?A reticulocyte count helps to evaluate the rate and adequacy of erythrocyte production. Platelet count indicates the status of the clotting mechanism.
When reviewing laboratory results of an 83 year old patient which finding would the nurse expect?When reviewing laboratory results of an 83-year-old patient who came to the clinic for annual blood work, which finding does the nurse expect? Define pancytopenia: The patient's complete blood count is suppressed. There is a marked decrease in the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
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