Term
Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct)
Hgb - ♀12-16 g/dL ♂13-18 g/dL
Hct - ♀36-46 g/dL ♂37-49 g/dL |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
dehydration
excessive fluid plasma loss
polythemia vera
Significance of decreased values
fluid overload
excessive blood loss
anemia
Nursing Implications
Monitor oxygenation
Monitor vital signs
Assess for bleeding |
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Term
Glucose and Hemoglobin - A1C
Glucose - 60 - 110
- Significances of increased values
- Significances of decreased values
- Nursing Implications |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
Impaired glucose metabolism
stress
infection
Significance of decreased values
inadequate glucose intake in relation to insulin
Nursing Implications
If decreased
- monitor for manifestations of hypoglycemia
- Notify surgeon of glucose < 70 mg/dL or > 180 mg/dL
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Term
White blood cell (WBC) count
WBC - 4,000 - 10,000/mm3
- Significances of increased values
- Significances of decreased values
- Nursing Implications |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
infectious/inflammatory process
leukemia
Significance of decreased values
immune deficiencies
Nursing Implications
Monitor for manifestations of inflammation
Monitor drainage, temperature and pulse
Use strict standard precautions |
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Term
Platelet count
plt - 140,000 - 400,000/mm3
- Significance of increased values
- Significance of decreased values
- Nursing Implications |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
malignancies
polycythemia vera
Significance of decreased values
clotting deficiency disorders
chemotherapy
Nursing Implications
If decreased
- Assess for bleeding at incision sites and drainage tubes
- Assess for hematomas
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Term
Carbon Dioxide
PCO2 - 35 - 45
- Significances of increased values
- Significances of decreased values
- Nursing Implications |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
Emphysema
Chronic bronchitis
Asthma
Pneumonia
Respiratory acidosis
Vomiting
Nasogastric suctioning
Significance of decreased values
Metabolic acidosis
Hyperventilation
Nursing Implications
Monitor respiratory status
Monitor aterial blood gases (ABGs) |
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Term
Potassium
K+ - 3.5 - 5.2
- Significances of increased values
- Significances of decreased values
- Nursing Implications |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
Kidney dysfunction
Dehydration
Suctioning
Significance of decreased values
side effects of diuretics, vomiting, NG suctioning
Nursing Implications
Monitor K+ level, cardiac and neurologic function, and peroperative diuretic therapy |
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Term
Sodium
Na+ - 135 - 145
- Significances of increased values
- Significances of decreased values
- Nursing Implications |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
Kidney dysfunction
Dehydration
IV fluids containing Normal Saline
Significance of decreased values
Side effects of diuretics, vomiting, NG suctioning, fluid volume excess
Nursing Implications
Monitor Na+ level and I&O
Assess for peripheral edema and perioperative diuretic therapy |
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Term
Chloride
Cl- - 95 - 107
- Significances of increased values
- Significances of decreased values
- Nursing Implications |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
Kidney dysfunction
Dehydration
Alkalosis
Significance of decreased values
Side effects of diuretics, vomiting, NG suctioning
Nursing Implications
Monitor Cl- level and I&O
Assess for peripheral edema and perioperative diuretic therapy |
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Term
Prothrombin Time (PT)
10 - 14 secs
Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
21 - 35 secs
International Normalized Ratio (INR)
2.0 - 3.0 |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
Defect in blood clotting
Anticoagulant therapy (aspirin, heparin, warfarin)
Side effect of other drugs affecting clotting time
Significance of decreased values
Hypercoagulability of the blood
Nursing Implications
If clotting time is elevated:
- Monitor PT/PTT values
- Assess for bleeding at incision site and drainage tubes and for hematomas
If clotting time is decreased:
- Evaluate PT adn PTT values
- Monitor for thrombus formation
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Term
Serum Creatinine, BUN
Creat - 0.5 - 1.4
BUN - 7 - 20 |
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Definition
Significance of increased values
Renal dysfunction
Significance of decreased values
Malnutrition
Musculoskeletal wasting
Nursing Implications
Monitor urinary output
Wound healing |
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