ABGs, Understanding Basic Lab Results Flashcards
(34 cards)
Purpose of Understanding Basic Laboratory Tests
- establishing diagnosis
- rule out clinical problem (eliminate presence of disease)
- monitor course of illness and response to treatment
- check prognosis
- screen for disease
- check drug therapeutic level and toxicity
Nursing Responsibilities
- Know and understand laboratory tests
- Maintain Universal Precautions
- Educate patients
- Identify patients
- Follow guidelines/protocols for specimen collections and reporting.
- Know supplies/equipment (esp. if nurse is drawing blood from central line)
- Know interfering factors
- Monitor results
- Report abnormal results (maintain privacy)
- Documentation
Basic Chemistry Panel
- sodium (Na)
- potassium (K)
- chloride (Cl)
- CO2
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatine
Indications: Chemistry Panel
- Cardiac, Respiratory, GI, Renal, Endocrine, Metabolic, &/or Neuro diseases
- Burns
- Electrolyte imbalances/abnormalities
- Acid-Base balance status
- Malnutrition
- Hydration status (dehydration)
- Effects of drug therapy
- Pre-op
- Baseline assessment
CBC and Differential
- RBC Count
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- RBC indices
- WBC count and differentials
- Platelet count
Indications: CBC w/ diff.
- Hematologic (blood) disorders
- Cardiac, Renal, Liver, or Lung diseases
- Neoplasm (cancer)
- Leukemia
- Infection
- Autoimmune diseases or immunologic abnormality
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Dietary deficiency
- Dehydration
- Pre-op & post-op
- Baseline assessment
- Blood loss
- Pregnancy
- Monitor response to chemo (evaluate undesired reactions to drugs)
Liver Panel, Liver Functions Tests (LFTs)
- Bilirubin
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidse)
- 5’ Nucleotidase
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
Indications: LFTs
- Liver disease
- Hepatic tumor, necrosis, or ischemia
- Hepatoxic drugs, ETOH use
- Drugs for cholesterol or hyperlipidemia
- Trauma
- Obstructive jaundice
- Gallbladder or Pancreatic disease
- Pregnancy
- Preop
- Baseline data
Lipid Panel, Lipid Profile
Patient must be FASTING!
- Cholesterol
- HDL
- LDL
- VLDL
- Triglycerides
Indications: Lipid Panel
- Family history of hypertriglyceridemia
- Hyperlipidemias
- Cardiac disorders (also used to evaluate risk for cardiac disease)
- Renal Failure
- Diabetes Mellitus
- High fat or high carbohydrate diet
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Thyroid disorders
- Malnutrition
Coagulation Panel
- PT (protime)
- PTT (partial thromboplastin time)
- Bleeding Time
- Platelet Count (see CBC)
Indications: Coag Panel
- Monitor drug effects (heparin, warfarin)
- Drug overdoses (anticoagulants, antiinflammatories)
- Embolism
- Bleeding or Clotting disorders
- Vit. K deficiency
- Bleeding disorders
- Renal or Liver disorder (cirrhosis)
- Bone marrow failure
- Massive blood transfusion
Other Tests
- thyroid panel
- renal panel, renal function tests
- UA (urinalysis)
Urinalysis (UA)
Appearance Color pH Protein Specific Gravity (SG) Leukocyte esterase Nitrites Bilirubin Casts Glucose WBC
Acid-Base Disorders
-must maintain homeostasis
hydrogen ions (H+)
determine acidity of body fluids
acids
release H+ in solution
bases (alkaline)
accept H+ in solution
pH
measured hydrogen concentration in solution
H+ and pH have an
inverse relationship
If you increase H+, how does that affect pH?
pH falls (acidic)
If you decrease H+, how does that affect pH?
pH rises (alkaline or basic)
Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
maintains pH of body within normal range
Buffer Systems effect on regulation of acid-base balance
buffers are substances that prevent changes in pH by removing or release H+
