NCLEX-RN Critical Lab Values & Diagnostics Flashcards
Master 25 critical lab values & diagnostics concepts for the NCLEX-RN.
Question
Complete the statement regarding white blood cell (WBC) safety parameters.
Question
What is the typical hemoglobin threshold for blood transfusion in hemodynamically stable clients?
Question
At what platelet count are bleeding precautions initiated?
Question
A client has a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L. Which assessment is the priority?
Question
Severe sodium imbalances (<120 or >160 mEq/L) primarily cause life-threatening symptoms in which body system?
Question
Which laboratory value is the most specific indicator of renal function?
Question
Complete the statement regarding glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Question
Which lab findings are consistent with a diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism?
Question
A client with hepatic encephalopathy has an ammonia level of 85 mcg/dL. Which medication is the standard treatment?
Question
Low serum albumin (<3.5 g/dL) results in which fluid shift mechanism?
Question
A patient has a critical Potassium (K⁺) level >6.5 mEq/L. Identify the three categories of priority interventions required.
Question
A patient has a critical Potassium (K⁺) level of 2.4 mEq/L. Which administration method for potassium replacement is FATAL and strictly contraindicated?
Question
Select the correct precautions and risks for severe Hyponatremia (<120 mEq/L).
Question
A patient is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. They have IV access. What is the priority intervention?
Question
When treating severe hyperglycemia (>400 mg/dL) with an IV insulin infusion, which electrolyte requires the most critical monitoring to prevent cardiac dysrhythmias?
Question
A patient's lab results show elevated Troponin I. What is the priority diagnostic action the nurse must facilitate immediately?
Question
According to general critical care guidelines, below what Hemoglobin (Hgb) level is a blood transfusion typically indicated for a hemodynamically stable patient?
Question
A patient has a critical platelet count of 18,000/mm³. Which nursing intervention is CONTRAINDICATED?
Question
Manage the critical INR (>4.0).
Question
What is the primary clinical utility of a NEGATIVE D-dimer result in a patient with chest pain or leg swelling?
Question
Differentiate between inflammatory markers.
Question
An elevated Procalcitonin (>0.5 ng/mL) is a specific marker for what type of infection?
Question
What does a serum lactate level > 2-4 mmol/L indicate about cellular physiology?
Question
Interpret the critical ABG intervention thresholds.
Question
A patient presents with severe epigastric pain. Which lab value is the most SPECIFIC diagnostic marker for acute pancreatitis?