Lab Values Every Nurse Needs to Know

Here's a table that you can print and carry with you on lab values that every nurse should know.

Albumin	3.5 - 5
BUN	10 - 25
Creatine	0.5 - 1.5
Glucose	70 - 110
K+	3.5 - 5
Na+	135 - 145
Platelets	150,000 - 400,000
Hemoglobin	14 - 18 (M) 12 - 16 (F)
Hematocrit	40 - 50 (M) 38 - 47 (F)
WBC	4,000 - 9,000
PT	10 - 14 seconds

Here's a table of important lab values that I like to keep on my badge. For the most part in the hospital their computer programs will tell you if the lab value is out of the normal range. At first most of my professors didn't believe in having us memorize lab values because of that argument. However, later in school other professors required us to memorize them. Also, you will see labs in test questions, HESI exams, and on NCLEX. 

Bite the bullet and keep this table nearby so you can memorize it. Of course there are many other lab values one can memorize. I didn't include Arterial Blood Gases because I plan on making a post on that soon. 

Leave a comment if you have anything that you'd like for me to post about!

Xoxo,

Nightingale