Lab Values & Diagnostics
Per-value deep-dives: what high and low mean, the NCLEX angle, the nursing action.
32 posts
Sodium (Na+) on the NCLEX
Hyponatremia and hypernatremia: causes, signs, correction rules.
Read post →LabsPotassium (K+) on the NCLEX
Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia: ECG changes, causes, emergency treatment.
Read post →LabsCalcium (Ca2+) on the NCLEX
Hypocalcemia (Chvostek, Trousseau) and hypercalcemia: causes, treatment.
Read post →LabsMagnesium (Mg+) on the NCLEX
Hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia: causes, signs, OB mag sulfate context.
Read post →LabsPhosphate on the NCLEX
Hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia: CKD context, refeeding syndrome.
Read post →LabsChloride (Cl-) on the NCLEX
Hypochloremia and hyperchloremia: usually parallels sodium, NS overload context.
Read post →LabsHemoglobin and Hematocrit (H&H) on the NCLEX
Normal ranges, when to transfuse, anemia workup basics.
Read post →LabsWBC Differential on the NCLEX
Neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils: what each tells you.
Read post →LabsPlatelets on the NCLEX
Normal range, bleeding thresholds, transfusion triggers, HIT.
Read post →LabsBMP and CMP on the NCLEX
Basic and comprehensive metabolic panels: what's in each, what to scan for.
Read post →LabsLiver Function Tests (LFTs) on the NCLEX
AST, ALT, alk phos, bilirubin, albumin: patterns of hepatocellular vs cholestatic injury.
Read post →LabsPT/INR on the NCLEX
PT/INR: warfarin monitoring, target ranges, reversal.
Read post →LabsPTT/aPTT on the NCLEX
aPTT: heparin monitoring, intrinsic pathway, target ranges.
Read post →LabsLipid Panel on the NCLEX
LDL, HDL, triglycerides: targets, when to start statin, ASCVD risk.
Read post →LabsTroponin and Cardiac Markers on the NCLEX
Troponin sensitivity and timing, CK-MB legacy, BNP for HF.
Read post →LabsThyroid Labs (TSH, T3, T4) on the NCLEX
TSH first-line, T4 and T3, subclinical disease.
Read post →LabsHemoglobin A1c on the NCLEX
A1c interpretation, goals, limitations.
Read post →LabsBUN and Creatinine on the NCLEX
Renal function markers, BUN/Cr ratio, eGFR.
Read post →LabsUrinalysis on the NCLEX
UA components: protein, glucose, ketones, blood, leukocyte esterase, nitrites, casts.
Read post →LabsRespiratory Acidosis on the NCLEX
Causes (hypoventilation), interpretation, compensation, treatment.
Read post →LabsRespiratory Alkalosis on the NCLEX
Causes (hyperventilation), interpretation, treatment.
Read post →LabsMetabolic Acidosis on the NCLEX
Anion gap vs non-anion gap, MUDPILES, treatment.
Read post →LabsMetabolic Alkalosis on the NCLEX
Causes (vomiting, diuretics), saline-responsive vs not.
Read post →LabsABG Compensation on the NCLEX
Acute vs chronic, full vs partial compensation, mixed disorders.
Read post →LabsVancomycin Trough Levels on the NCLEX
When to draw, target ranges, dose adjustment, nephrotoxicity.
Read post →LabsPhenytoin Levels on the NCLEX
Therapeutic range, free vs total, albumin adjustment.
Read post →LabsLab Tube Colors on the NCLEX
Which tube for which test: red, gold, lavender, blue, green, gray.
Read post →LabsCritical Lab Value Response on the NCLEX
What counts as critical, read-back, documentation, escalation.
Read post →LabsLithium Level on the NCLEX
Therapeutic range, toxicity, timing of draw.
Read post →LabsDigoxin Level on the NCLEX
Therapeutic range, toxicity, antidote.
Read post →LabsHeparin aPTT Monitoring on the NCLEX
When to draw, target, nomogram-based adjustment.
Read post →LabsINR Warfarin Monitoring on the NCLEX
INR targets by indication, dose adjustment, dietary effects.
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