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81 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
  • 3rd side (hint)
Fluid Volume Deficit
- thready, increased pulse rate, decreased BP and orthostatic hypotension
- flat neck and hand veins in dependent positions, diminished peripheral pulses, decreased CVP, dysrhythmias
- increased rate and depth of respirations, dyspnea (labored breathing)
- decreased CNS activity (from lethargy to coma), fever (fluid loss dependent), skeletal muscle weakness, decreased urine output
- dry skin, poor turgour, tenting, dry mouth
- decreased motility and diminished bowel sounds, constipation, thirst, decreased body weight
LABORATORY FINDINGS:
- increased serum osmolality
- increased hematocrit
- increased BUN levels
- increased sodium levels
- increased urine specific gravity
Fluid Volume Excess
- bounding, increased pulse rate, elevated BP, distended neck and hand veins, elevated CVP, dysrhythmias
- increased (shallow) respiratory rate, dyspnea (labored breathing), moist crackles on auscultation
- altered LOC, headache, visual disturbances, skeletal muscle weakness, parasthesias (prickling, tingling, numbness)
- increased urine output (if kidneys can compensate), decreased urine output (if kidney damage is the cause)
- pitting edema (dependent areas), pale and cool skin
- increased motility in GI tract, diarrhea, increased body weight, liver enlargement, ascites (fluid in peritoneal cavity - abdominal swelling)
LABORATORY FINDINGS:
- decreased serum osmolality
- decreased hematocrit
- decreased BUN level
- decreased sodium levels
- decreased urine specific gravity
Isotonic Overhydration
- inadequately controlled IV therapy
- renal failure
- long-term corticosteroid therapy
Hypertonic Overhydration
- excessive sodium ingestion
- rapid infusion of hypertonic saline
- excessive sodium bicarbonate therapy
Hypotonic Overhydration
- early renal failure
- congestive heart failure
- syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
- inadequately controlled IV therapy
- replacement of isotonic fluid loss with hypotonic fluids
- irrigation of wounds and body cavities with hypotonic fluids
Serum Calcium
8.6 - 10.0 mg/dL
COMMON FOOD SOURCES
- cheese, collard greens, milk and soy milk, rhubarb, sardines, spinach, tofu, yogurt
Hypocalcemia
INHIBITION OF CALCIUM ABSORPTION FROM THE GI TRACT
- inadequate oral intake of calcium
- lactose intolerance
- malabsorption syndromes such as celiac sprue or Crohn's disease
- inadequate intake of Vitamin D
- end-stage renal disease
INCREASED CALCIUM EXCRETION
- renal failure, polyuric phase
- diarrhea
- steatorrhea (presence of excess fat in feces)
- wound drainage (especially GI)
CONDITIONS THAT DECREASE THE IONIZED FRACTION OF CALCIUM
- hyperproteinemia
- alkalosis
- medications such as calcium chelators or binders
- acute pancreatitis
- hyperphosphatemia
- immobility
- removal or destruction of the parathyroid glands
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- decreased heart rate; hypotension; diminished peripheral pulses
RESPIRATORY:
- not directly affected; however, respiratory failure or arrest can result from decreased respiratory movement because of muscle tetany (intermittent muscular spasms) or seizures
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- irritable skeletal muscles: twitches, cramps, tetany, seizures
- painful muscle spasms in the calf or foot during periods of inactivity
- positive Trousseau's (carpal spasm) and Chvostek's (contraction of facial muscles) signs
- hyperactive deep tendon reflexes; anxiety; irritability
RENAL:
- urinary output varies depending on the cause
GI:
- increased gastric motility; hyperactive bowel sounds; cramping; diarrhea
LABS:
- serum calcium level <8.6 mg/dL
ECG CHANGES:
- Prolonged ST Interval
- Prolonged QT Interval
Hypercalcemia
INCREASED CALCIUM ABSORPTION
- excessive oral intake of calcium
- excessive oral intake of Vitamin D
DECREASED CALCIUM EXCRETION
- renal failure
- use of thiazide diuretics
INCREASED BONE REABSORPTION OF CALCIUM
- hyperparathyroidism
- hyperthyroidism
- malignancy (bone desctruction from metastatic tumors)
- immobility
- use of glucorticoids
HEMOCONCENTRATION
- dehydration
- use of lithium
- adrenal insufficiency
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- increased HR in the early phase; bradycardia that can lead to cardiac arrest in the late phase
- increased BP; bounding, full peripheral pulses
RESPIRATORY:
- ineffective respiratory movement as a result of profound skeletal muscle weakness
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- profound muscle weakness; diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes; disorientation; lethargy; coma
RENAL:
- urinary output varies depending on the cause
- formation of renal calculi; flank pain
GI:
- decreased motility and hypoactive bowel sounds; anorexia; nausea; abdominal distention; constipation
LABS:
- serum calcium level >10 mg/dL
ECG CHANGES:
- Shortened ST segment
- Widened T Wave
Serum Magnesium
1.6 - 2.6 mg/dL
COMMON FOOD SOURCES:
- avocado, canned white tuna, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli), milk, oatmeal, peanut butter, peas, pork, beef, chicken, potatoes, raisins, yogurt
Hypomagnesemia
INSUFFICIENT MAGNESIUM INTAKE
- malnutrition and starvation
- vomitting or diarrhea
- malabsorption syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease
INCREASED MAGNESIUM SECRETION
- medications such as diuretics
- chronic alcoholism
INTRACELLULAR MOVEMENT OF MAGNESIUM
- hyperglycemia
- insulin administration
- sepsis
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- tachycardia; hypertension
RESPIRATORY:
- shallow respirations
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- twitches; parasthesias; positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs; hyperreflexia; tetany; seizures
CNS:
- irritability; confusion
LABS:
- serum magnesium levels <1.6 mg/dL
ECG CHANGES:
- Tall T Waves
- Depressed ST Segment
Hypermagnesemia
INCREASED MAGNESIUM INTAKE
- magnesium-containing antacids and laxatives
- excessive administration of magnesium via IV
DECREASED RENAL EXCRETION OF MAGNESIUM AS A RESULT OF RENAL INSUFFICIENCY

** CALCIUM GLUCONATE IS THE ANTIDOTE FOR MAGNESIUM OVERDOSE**
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- bradycardia; dysrhythmias; hypotension
RESPIRATORY:
- respiratory insufficiency when the skeletal muscles of respiration are involved
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes; skeletal muscle weakness
CNS:
- drowsiness and lethargy that progresses to coma
LABS:
- serum magnesium levels >2.6 mg/dL
ECG CHANGES:
- Prolonged PR Interval
- Widened QRS Complexes
Serum Potassium
3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L

*used to evaluate cardiac, renal, GI functions and the need for IV replacement therapy*

*clients with elevated WBC and platelet counts may have falsely elevated potassium levels*
COMMON FOOD SOURCES:
- avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, fish, mushrooms, oranges, potatoes, pork, beef, veal, raisins, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes
Hypokalemia
ACTUAL TOTAL BODY POTASSIUM LOSS
- excessive use of medications such as diuretics or corticosteroids
- increased secretion of aldosterone (Cushing's syndrome)
- vomitting, diarrhea
- wound drainage (particularly GI)
- prolonged NG suctioning
- excessive diaphoresis
- renal disease impairing reabsorption of potassium
INADEQUATE POTASSIUM INTAKE
- NPO
MOVEMENT OF POTASSIUM FROM THE EXTRACELLULAR FLUID TO THE INTRACELLULAR FLUID
- alkalosis
- hyperinsulinism
DILUTION OF SERUM POTASSIUM
- water intoxication
- IV therapy with potassium-poor solutions
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- thready, weak, irregular pulse; weak peripheral pulses; orthostatic hypotension
RESPIRATORY:
- shallow, ineffective respirations that result from profound weakness of the skeletal muscles of respiration; diminished breath sounds
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- anxiety, lethargy, confusion, coma; skeletal muscle weakness, eventual flaccid paralysis; loss of tactile discrimination; parasthesias; deep tendon hyporeflexia
GI:
- decreased motility, hypoactive to absent bowel sounds; nausea, vomitting, constipation, abdominal distention; paralytic ileus
LABS:
- serum potassium levels <3.5 mEq/L
ECG CHANGES:
- ST Depression
- Shallow, Flat, or Inverted T Wave
- Prominent U Wave
Hyperkalemia
EXCESSIVE POTASSIUM INTAKE
- over ingestion of potassium-containing foods or medications, such as potassium chloride or salt substitutes
- rapid infusion of potassium-containing IV fluids
DECREASED POTASSIUM EXCRETION
- potassium-sparring diuretics
- renal failure
- adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)
MOVEMENT OF POTASSIUM FROM THE INTRACELLULAR FLUID TO THE EXTRACELLULAR FLUID
- tissue damage
- acidosis
- hyperuricemia
- hypercatabolism
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- slow, weak, irregular HR; decreased BP
RESPIRATORY:
- profound weakness of the skeletal muscles leading to respiratory failure
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- Early: muscle twitches, cramps, parasthesias (tingling and burning followed by numbness in the hands and feet and around the mouth)
- Late: profound weakness, ascending flaccid paralysis in the arms and legs (trunk, head, and respiratory muscles become affected when the serum potassium level reached a lethal level)
GI:
- increased motility, hyperactive bowel sounds; diarrhea
LABS:
- serum potassium level >5.1 mEq/L
ECG CHANGES:
- Tall, Peaked T Waves
- Flat P Waves
- Widened QRS Complex
- Prolonged PR Interval
Serum Phosphorus
2.7 - 4.5 mg/dL
COMMON FOOD SOURCES:
- fish, organ meets, nuts, pork, beef, chicken, whole-grains breads and cereals
Hypophosphatemia
INSUFFICIENT PHOSPHORUS INTAKE
- malnutrition and starvation
INCREASED PHOSPHORUS EXCRETION
- hyperparathyroidism
- malignancy
- use of magnesium-based or aluminum hydroxide-based antacids
INTRACELLULAR SHIFT
- hyperglycemia
- respiratory alkalosis
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- decreased contractility and cardiac output; slowed peripheral pulses
RESPIRATORY:
- shallow respirations
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- weakness; decreased deep tendon reflexes; decreased bone density that can cause fractures and alterations in bone shape
- rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle fibers that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. Myoglobin is harmful to the kidney and often causes kidney damage).
CNS:
- irritability; confusion; seizures
HEMATOLOGICAL:
- decreased platelet aggregation and increased bleeding
- immunosuppression
Hyperphosphatemia
- decreased renal excretion resulting from renal insufficiency
- tumor lysis syndrome
increased intake of phosphorus, including dietary intake or overuse of phosphate-containing laxatives or enemas
- hypoparathyroidism
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- decreased heart rate; hypotension; diminished peripheral pulses
RESPIRATORY:
- not directly affected; however, respiratory failure or arrest can result from decreased respiratory movement because of muscle tetany (intermittent muscular spasms) or seizures
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- irritable skeletal muscles: twitches, cramps, tetany, seizures
- painful muscle spasms in the calf or foot during periods of inactivity
- positive Trousseau's (carpal spasm) and Chvostek's (contraction of facial muscles) signs
- hyperactive deep tendon reflexes; anxiety; irritability
RENAL:
- urinary output varies depending on the cause
GI:
- increased gastric motility; hyperactive bowel sounds; cramping; diarrhea
Serum Sodium
135 -145 mEq/L
COMMON FOOD SOURCES:
- bacon, butter, canned food, cheese (American/cottage cheese), frankfurters, ketchup, lunch meat, milk, mustard, processed foods, snack foods, soy sauce, table salt, white and whole-wheat bread
Hyponatremia
INCREASED SODIUM EXCRETION
- excessive diaphoresis
- diuretics
- vomitting
- diarrhea
- wound drainage (especially GI)
- renal disease
- decreased secretion of aldosterone
INADEQUATE SODIUM INTAKE
- NPO
- low-salt diet
DILUTION OF SERUM SODIUM
- excessive ingestion of / irrigation with hypotonic fluids
- renal failure
- freshwater drowning
- syndrome of inadequate ADH secretion
- hyperglycemia
- CHF
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- Normovolemic - rapic pulse rate; normal BP
- Hypovolemic - thready, weak, rapid pulse rate; hypotension; flat neck veins; normal or low CVP
- Hypervolemic - rapid, bounding pulse; BP normal or elevated; normal or elevated CVP
RESPIRATORY:
- shallow, ineffective respiratory movement is a late manifestation related to skeletal muscle weakness
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- generalized skeletal muscle weakness that is worse in the extremeties
- diminished deep tendon reflexes
CNS:
- headache; personality changes; confusion; seizures; coma
GI:
- increased motility and hyperactive bowel sounds; nausea; abdominal cramping and diarrhea
RENAL:
- increased urinary output
INTEGUMENTARY:
- dry mucous membranes
LABS:
- decreased urinary specific gravity
- serum sodium <135 mEq/L
Hypernatremia
DECREASED SODIUM EXCRETION
- corticosteroids
- Cushing's syndrome
- renal failure
- hyperaldosteronism
INCREASED SODIUM INTAKE
- excessive oral sodium ingestion
- excessive administration of sodium-containing IV fluids
DECREASED WATER INTAKE
- NPO
INCREASED WATER LOSS
- increased rate of metabolism
- fever
- hyperventilation
- infection
- excessive diaphoresis
- watery diarrhea
- diabetes insipidus (ADH related water loss)
CARDIOVASCULAR:
- heart rate and BP responds to vascular volume status
RESPIRATORY:
- pulmonary edema if hypervolemia is present
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- Early: spontaneous muscle twitches; irregular muscle contractions
- Late: skeletal muscle weakness; deep tendon reflexes diminished or absent
CNS:
- altered cerebral function is the most common manifestation
- normovolemia or hypovolemia: agitation, confusion, seizures
- hypervolemia: lethargy, stupor, coma
GI:
- extreme thirst
RENAL:
- decreased urinary output
INTEGUMENTARY:
- dry and flushed skin; dry and sticky tongue and mucous membranes; presence or absence of edema, depending on fluid volume changes
LABS:
- increased urinary specific gravity
- serum sodium >145 mEq/L
pH
7.35 - 7.45

<7.35 = ACIDOSIS
>7.45 = ALKALOSIS

DEATH:
6.80 or <
7.80 or >
Pco2
35 - 45 mm Hg

*respiratory function indicator*
HCO3 (Bicarbonate)
22 - 27 mEq/L

*metabolic function indicator*
Po2
80 - 100 mm Hg
Respiratory Acidosis FINDINGS
UNCOMPENSATED:
- pH: decreased
- HCO3: normal
- Pao2: usually decreased
- Paco2: increased
- K+: increased
PARTIALLY COMPENSATED:
- pH: decreased
- HCO3: increased
- Pao2: usually decreased
- Paco2: increased
- K+: increased
COMPENSATED:
- pH: normal
- HCO3: increased
- Pao2: usually decreased
- Paco2: increased
- K+: increased
Respiratory Acidosis S&S / CAUSES
NEUROLOGICAL:
- drowsiness
- disorientation
- dizziness
- headache
- coma
CARDIO:
- decreased BP
- ventricular fibrillation (related to hyperkalemia from compensation)
- warm, flushed skin (related to peripheral vasodilation)
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- seizures
RESP:
- hypoventilation with hypoxia (lungs are unable to compensate when there is a respiratory problem)
CAUSES:
- asthma
- atelectasis (collapsed lung)
- brain trauma
- bronchiectasis (destruction and widening of the large airways)
- bronchitis
- CNS depressants
- emphysema (COPD)
- hypoventilation
- pulmonary edema
- pneumonia
- pulmonary emboli
Respiratory Alkalosis FINDINGS
UNCOMPENSATED:
- pH: increased
- HCO3: normal
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: decreased
- K+: decreased
PARTIALLY COMPENSATED:
- pH: increased
- HCO3: decreased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: decreased
- K+: decreased
COMPENSATED:
- pH: normal
- HCO3: decreased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: decreased
- K+: decreased
MONITOR
- serum calcium levels
- serum potassium levels

** prepare to administer calcium gluconate for tetany as prescribed**
Respiratory Alkalosis S&S / CAUSES
NEUROLOGICAL:
- lethargy
- lightheadedness
- confusion
CARDIO:
- tachycardia
- dysrhythmias (related to hypokalemia from compensation)
GI:
- nausea
- vomitting
- epigastric pain
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- tetany
- numbness
- tingling of extremities
- hyperreflexia
- seizures
RESP:
- hyperventilation (lungs are unable to compensate when there is a respiratory problem)
CAUSES:
- fever
- hyperventilation
- hypoxia (low oxigenation)
- hysteria
- overventilation by mechanical ventilators
- pain
Metabolic Acidosis FINDINGS
Uncompensated:
- pH: decreased
- HCO3: decreased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: normal
- K+: increased

PARTIALLY COMPENSATED:
- pH: decreased
- HCO3: decreased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: decreased
- K+: increased

COMPENSATED:
- pH: normal
- HCO3: decreased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: decreased
- K+: increased
Metabolic Acidosis S&S / CAUSES
NEURO:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- headache
- coma
CARDIO:
- decreased BP
- dysrthymias (related to hyperkalemia from compensation)
- warm, flushed skin (related to peripheral vasodilation)
GI:
- nausea, vomitting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
RESP:
- deep, rapid respirations (compensatory action by the lungs)
Causes:
- diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis (insufficient supply of insulin)
- excessive ingestion of Aspirin
- high-fat diet
- insufficient metabolism of carbohydrates (lactic acidosis)
- malnutrition
- renal insufficiency or renal failure
- severe diarrhea
Metabolic Alkalosis FINDINGS
UNCOMPENSATED:
- pH: increased
- HCO3: increased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: normal
- K+: decreased
PARTIALLY COMPENSATED:
- pH: increased
- HCO3: increased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: increased
- K+: decreased
COMPENSATED:
- pH: normal
- HCO3: increased
- Pao2: usually normal (but depends on other accompanying conditions)
- Paco2: increased
- K+: decreased
MONITOR
- serum calcium levels
- serum potassium levels

** prepare to administer potassium chloride as prescribed**
Metabolic Alkalosis S&S / CAUSES
NEUROLOGICAL:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nervousness
- confusion
CARDIO:
- tachycardia
- dysrhythmias (related to hypokalemia from compensation)
GI:
- anorexia
- nausea
- vomitting
NEUROMUSCULAR:
- tremors
- hypertonic muscles
- muscle cramps
- tetany
- tingling of extremities
- seizures
RESP:
- hypoventilation (compensatory action by the lungs)
CAUSES:
- diuretics
- excessive vomitting or GI suctioning
- hyperaldosteronism
- ingestion of and/or infusion of excess sodium bicarbonate
- massive infusion of whole blood
Serum Chloride
98 - 107 mEq/L
Serum Bicarbonate (VENOUS)
22 - 29 mEq/L
aPTT
Normal: 20 - 36 sec
Heparin therapy: 1.5 - 2.5 x normal = 30 - 90 seconds
- used to regulate Heparin therapy and screen for coagulation disorders
PT
9.6 - 11.8 seconds (male)
9.5 - 11.3 seconds (female)

*diets high in green leafy vegetables can increase the absorption of vitamin K, which shortens the PT*
- WARFARIN SODIUM (COUMADIN) THERAPY
- screen for dysfunction of the extrinsic clotting system resulting from liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or disseminated intravascular coagulation
INR (Standard Warfarin therapy)
2 - 3
INR standardizes the PT ratio
INR (HIGH dose Warfarin therapy)
3 - 4.5
Platelet Count
150,000 to 400,000 cells/mm3
- high altitudes, chronic cold weather, and exercise increase platelet counts
- bleeding precautions for low platelet counts
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
0 - 30 mm/hr
Iron
Male: 65 - 175 mcg/dL
Female: 50 -170 mcg/dL
- aids in diagnosing anemias and hemolytic disorders.
Hemoglobin
Male: 14 - 16.5 g/dL
Female: 12 - 15 g/dL
- important in identifying anemias
Hematocrit
Male: 42 - 52%
Female: 35 - 47%
- important measurement in identification of anemia or polycythemia
RBC Count
Male: 4.5 - 6.2 million/uL
Female: 4 - 5.5 million/uL
- aids in diagnosing anemias and blood dyscrasias (disorders such as leukemia or hemophilia)
Creatine Kinase (CK)
26 - 174 units/L
- detects myocardial, skeletal muscle or CNS damage
CK Isoenzymes
- CK-MB (cardiac)?
- CK-MM (muscle)?
- CK-BB (brain)?
CK-MB: 0-5% of total
CK-MM: 95-100% of total
CK-BB: 0%
Lactate Dehydrogenase
140 - 280 units/L

*MI affects LDH1 and LDH2*

**SHOULD BE REPEATED FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS**
- the levels begin to rise about 24 hours after MI
- peaks in 48 to 72 hours
- returns to normal within 7-14 days
Troponin I
<0.6 ng/mL

>1.5 ng/mL indicates MI
- increased amounts of troponins are released into the bloodstream when an infarction causes damage to the myocardium.
- levels elevate as early as 3 hours after MI
- can stay elevated from 7 to 10 days after.

TESTING IS REPEATED IN 12 HOURS, FOLLOWED BY DAILY TESTING FOR 3-5 DAYS
Troponin T
0.1 - 0.2 ng/mL

>0.2 ng/mL indicates MI
- increased amounts of troponins are released into the bloodstream when an infarction causes damage to the myocardium.
- levels elevate as early as 3 hours after MI
- can stay elevated from 10 to 14 days after.

TESTING IS REPEATED IN 12 HOURS, FOLLOWED BY DAILY TESTING FOR 3-5 DAYS
Myoglobin
< 90 mcg/L

> 90 mcg/L could indicate MI
- any injury to skeletal muscle will cause a release of myoglobin into the blood
- rises as early as 2 hours after MI
- rapid decline after 7 hours

*LIMITED USE IN DIAGNOSING MI*
ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptides)
22 - 27 pg/mL

*CARDIAC ATRIAL MUSCLE*
BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptides)
<100 pg/mL

*CARDIAC VENTRICULAR MUSCLE*
- primary marker for identifying CHF as the cause of dyspnea
Albumin
3.4 - 5 g/dL

*indicative of abnormal renal function*
Increased: dehydration, diarrhea, metastatic carcinoma
Decreased: acute infection, ascites, alcoholism.
Alkaline Phosphatase
4.5 - 13 King-Armstrong unites/dL
- levels increase during periods of bone growth , liver disease, and bile duct obstruction.
Ammonia
10 - 80 mcg/dL
- excreted by the kidneys as UREA.
- elevated levels resulting from hepatic dysfunction may lead to encephalopathy.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
4 - 6 international units/L
- used to identify hepatocellular disease of the liver and to monitor improvement or worsening of the disease
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
0 - 35 units/L
- used to evaluate a client with suspected hepatocellular disease (may also be used along with other cardiac markers to evaluate coronary artery occlusion disease)
Amylase
25-151 units/L
- enzyme, produced by the pancreas and salivary glands, aids in the digestion of complex carbs and is excreted by the kidneys.
- levels greatly increased in acute pancreatitis.
- starts rising at 3 to 6 hours after the onset of pain, peaks at 24 hours, returns to normal in 2-3 days
Lipase
10 - 140 units/L
- 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
Bilirubin
- Direct (conjugated): 0 - 0.3 mg/dL
- Indirect (unconjugated): 0.1 - 1 mg/dL
- Bilirubin (total): <1.5 mg/dL
- by-product of hemoglobin breakdown.
- total bilirubin levels increase with any type of jaundice
- direct and indirect bilirubin levels help differentiate the cause of the jaundice.
- instruct client to avoid yellow foods (carrots, yams, yellow beans, pumpkins) for 3 - 4 days
- ELEVATED: ingestion of alcohol; administration of morphine sulphate, theophylline, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), or Aspirin.
Total Cholesterol
140-199 mg/dL
LDL
Lower than 130 mg/dL
HDL
30-70 mg/dL
Triglycerides
Lower than 200 mg/dL.
Serum Protein
6 - 8 g/dL
INCREASED: Addison's disease, autoimmune collagen disorders, chronic infection, and Crohn's disease
DECREASED: burns, cirrhosis, edema, and severe hepatic disease
Uric Acid
Male: 4.5 - 8 mg/dL
Female: 2.5 - 6.2 mg/dL
ELEVATED LEVELS COULD LEAD TO:
- gout
- urate stones in the kidneys
Glucose Monitoring (Capillary Blood)
60 - 110 mg/dL
Glucose (Fasting)
70 - 110 mg/dL

*FAST FOR 8-12 HOURS*
2 Hour, Postprandial Glucose Levels
<140 mg/dL
HbA1C
Good Control: 7% or Lower
Fair Control: 7 - 8%
Poor Control: Higher than 8%
- A1C is a reflection of how well blood glucose levels have been controlled for the past 3 to 4 months.
Serum Creatinine
0.6 - 1.3 mg/dL

(specific indicator of renal function)
INCREASED LEVELS:
- indicate a slowing of the glomerular filtration rate
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
8 - 25 mg/dL

(specific indicator of renal function)
INCREASED LEVELS:
- indicate a slowing of glomerular filtration rate
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
0.2 - 5.4 microunits/mL

*ONLY if a thyroid disorder is suspected*
- help differentiate primary thyroid disease from secondary causes and abnormalities
Thyroxine (T4)
5 - 12 mcg/dL

*ONLY if a thyroid disorder is suspected*
- help differentiate primary thyroid disease from secondary causes and abnormalities
Thyroxine, free (FT4)
0.8 - 2.4 ng/dL

*ONLY if a thyroid disorder is suspected*
- help differentiate primary thyroid disease from secondary causes and abnormalities
Triiodothyronine (T3)
80 - 230 ng/dL

*ONLY if a thyroid disorder is suspected*
- help differentiate primary thyroid disease from secondary causes and abnormalities
WBC Count
4,500 - 11,000 cells/mm3
"shift to the left"
- an increased number of immature neutrophils present in the blood.

"shift to the right"
- found in liver disease, Down Syndrome, and megaloblastic and pernicious anemia
CD4+ T-cell Counts
500 - 1600 cells/L

*monitors progression of HIV, decreases with disease progression*
- immune system complications occur between 200 - 499 cells/L
- severe immunological complications occur with counts lower than 200 cells/L
Urine Specific Gravity
1.016 - 1.022
Digoxin (Therapeutic Serum Medication Range)
0.5 - 2 ng/mL
Lithium (Therapeutic Serum Medication Range)
0.5 - 1.2 mEq/L