Term
Red Blood Cell (RBC)
Hematocrit (Hct)
Hemoglobin (Hgb) |
|
Definition
RBC = absolute count of RBC’s per cubic millimeter
Hct = % of RBC’s in plasma
Hgb = oxygen-carrying capacity of RBC’s
Interventions to promote oxygenation, transfusion |
|
|
Term
White Blood Cell (WBC)
Differential |
|
Definition
Neutrophils (segs and bands) = first WBC’s to increase during acute infection
Monocytes = increase in later phase of an infection, ingest bacterial and debris
Lymphocytes = increase in chronic and viral infection
Interventions to reduce spread of infection |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Low platelets can be induced by heparin (HIT)
Monitor for bleeding—oral cavity, GI, urine, bruising
Interventions—transfuse platelets, limit punctures, no rectal procedures |
|
|
Term
| Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) |
|
Definition
Bleeding time—increased for therapeutic effect
Affected by Lovenox and Heparin
Extremely high levels reversed by protamine sulfate |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Bleeding time—increased for therapeutic effect
Affected by Coumadin
Extremely high levels reversed by Vitamin K |
|
|
Term
| Activated Clotting Time (ACT) |
|
Definition
Similar to APTT
Used to determine when it is safe to pull sheath post angioplasty, end access for dialysis run, and determine effectiveness of heparin therapy |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
High levels cause hyperosmolarity and dehydration
Low levels cause sweating, LOC changes, must be treated with either oral or IV glucose depending on LOC |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Affects neurological and GI status
Depleted by most diuretics |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Affects cardiac status
Increases in renal failure, burns, crush injuries
Depleted by loop and thiazide diuretics |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Generally follows Na+
Can affect acid-base balance by shifting HCO3- |
|
|
Term
| Venous Carbon Dioxide (CO2) |
|
Definition
NOT in ABG
Reflection of amount of HCO3 presence |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Affects cardiac, muscular, bone, coag
Watch QT intervals, observe for Cvostek and Trousseau |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Similar to calcium
Depletion can lead to torsades de points |
|
|
