100+ Lab Values Cheat Sheet and Memory Tricks of the most common Questions seen on the NCLEX® Flashcards Updated 2025 Version.
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Course
Nclex
Institution
Nclex
1. General Lab Values
Q1: What is the normal range for serum sodium levels?
A) 135-145 mEq/L
B) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
C) 70-100 mg/dL
D) 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
Answer: A) 135-145 mEq/L
Elaboration: Serum sodium levels are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. Values outside this range ...
100+ Lab Values Cheat Sheet and Memory Tricks of the most
common Questions seen on the NCLEX®
Flashcards Updated 2025 Version
1. General Lab Values
Q1: What is the normal range for adult hemoglobin levels, and why is this
important?
A1: Normal hemoglobin levels for adult males are typically 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL and
for females, 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to tissues; abnormal
levels can indicate anemia, dehydration, or other medical conditions.
Q2: What are the normal white blood cell (WBC) count ranges, and what do
elevated levels indicate?
A2: Normal WBC counts range from 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mm³. Elevated levels, or
leukocytosis, may indicate infection, inflammation, or stress.
Q3: Define the normal range for platelet counts and its significance.
A3: The normal platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000 cells/mm³. Platelets are
crucial for blood clotting; low levels (thrombocytopenia) increase bleeding risk.
Q4: What is the normal range for serum glucose levels, and what do deviations
suggest?
A4: Normal fasting glucose levels are 70 to 99 mg/dL. Levels above 126 mg/dL
may indicate diabetes, while levels below 70 mg/dL may suggest hypoglycemia.
Q5: Describe the normal range for creatinine levels and their relevance to kidney
function.
,A5: Normal serum creatinine levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL. Elevated levels can
indicate impaired kidney function or damage.
2. Electrolytes
Q6: What are the normal serum sodium levels, and what are the implications of
low and high levels?
A6: Normal sodium levels range from 135 to 145 mEq/L. Hyponatremia (low
sodium) can cause confusion and seizures, while hypernatremia (high sodium) can
lead to dehydration and neurological symptoms.
Q7: Explain the significance of potassium levels and the normal range.
A7: Normal potassium levels are 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Hypokalemia can cause muscle
weakness and arrhythmias, while hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrest.
Q8: What is the normal range for calcium levels, and why is calcium important?
A8: Normal serum calcium levels range from 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. Calcium is vital for
bone health, blood clotting, and muscle contractions. Abnormal levels can
indicate metabolic or hormonal issues.
Q9: Describe magnesium levels and their importance in the body.
A9: Normal magnesium levels range from 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L. Magnesium plays a
role in neuromuscular function, and abnormalities can lead to muscle cramps or
cardiac arrhythmias.
Q10: What is the normal range for chloride levels, and what do abnormalities
indicate?
, A10: Normal chloride levels are 98 to 106 mEq/L. Abnormal levels can indicate
acid-base imbalances; low chloride may suggest vomiting, while high levels can
indicate dehydration.
3. Liver Function Tests
Q11: What are the normal levels for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and why are
they important?
A11: Normal ALT levels are 7 to 56 units/L. Elevated ALT may indicate liver
damage or disease, particularly from hepatitis.
Q12: Define normal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and their clinical
significance.
A12: Normal AST levels range from 10 to 40 units/L. Elevated AST levels can
indicate liver injury, but they may also rise due to muscle damage or other
conditions.
Q13: Describe the normal range for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and its relevance.
A13: Normal ALP levels are 44 to 147 IU/L. Elevated ALP can indicate liver or bone
disorders, such as biliary obstruction or Paget's disease.
Q14: What is the significance of bilirubin levels, and what are the normal ranges?
A14: Normal total bilirubin levels are 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL. Elevated bilirubin can
cause jaundice and may indicate liver dysfunction or hemolysis.
Q15: Explain the significance of prothrombin time (PT) and its normal range.
A15: Normal PT is 11 to 13.5 seconds. Prolonged PT may indicate liver
dysfunction, vitamin K deficiency, or anticoagulant therapy.
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