NCSBN lab values
Exact lab values differentiate depending on what source you are using, but the following are
the official NCSBN lab values, therefore know these ranges to be prepared for NCLEX.
Serum Electrolytes






Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L
Potassium: 3.5-5 mEq/L
Calcium: 8.5-10 mg/dL 4
Magnesium: 1.8-3 mg/dL
Phosphorous: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Chloride: 85-115 mEq/L
ABGs




pH: 7.35 - 7.45
PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg (arterial)
HCO3: 22-26 mEq/L
PaO2: 80-100mmHg (arterial)
CBC








RBCs males: 4.7 - 6.1 mm3
RBCs females: 4.2 - 5.4 mm3
Hgb males: 14 - 18 g/dL
Hgb females: 12 - 16 g/dL
Hct males: 42 - 52%
Hct females: 37 - 47%
WBCs: 4,800 - 10,800 mm3
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) <20 mm/hr
Blood Lipid Levels




Total serum cholesterol: desirable levels less than 200 mg/dL; risk for cardiac or stroke
event with levels greater than 150 mg/dL is the target range for therapy and has been
shown to be the cut point to decrease CV or arterial incidences.
LDL: desirable less than 100 mg/dL
HDL: desirable greater than 40 mg/dL for men; 50 mg/dL for women
Triglycerides: desirable less than 150 mg/dL (<100 mg/dL if on medication)
Anticoagulant Therapy Coagulation Times





Therapeutic INR: 2.0-3.0
PT: 11-14 seconds. [Therapeutic range for anticoag therapy is 1.5-2 X the norm]
INR: 0.9-1.2 [Therapeutic range for anticoag therapy is 2-3 X the norm]
PTT: 16-40 seconds [Therapeutic range for anticoag therapy is 1.5-2.5 X the norm]
Platelets: 150,000-450,000 cu/mm
Liver Function Tests


Albumin: 3.8-5 g/dL – Great nutritional indicator
Ammonia: 35-65 mcg/dL


Total bilirubin: 0.0-1.5 mg/dL
Total protein: 6-8 gm/dL
Urinalysis







Specific gravity: 1.010-1.030
pH: average 6.0; range 4.6-8.0
Glucose: negative
RBCs: negative
WBCs: negative
Albumin: negative
Bacteria: <1,000 colonies/mL
Renal Function





Serum creatinine: males: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL
Serum creatinine: females: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
BUN: 10-20 mg/dL
GFR: 90-120 mL/min
Urine Output: 30 – 60 ml / Hour
Therapeutic Medication Monitoring





Digoxin level: 0.8-2 ng/mL
Lithium level: 0.4-1.0 mEq/L
Mag Sulfate: Levels obtained 1hr after loading dose and then Q6hr. Maintenance dosage
should be titrated to maintain serum level of 4-8 mg/dL
Phenobarbital: 10-30 mcg/mL
Theophylline: 10-20 mcg/mL
Blood Glucose


Fasting glucose: 70-110 mg/dL
HbA1c: 5% [up to 7% in clients with DM
OTHER




Suction Regulation Pressure: 80 – 120 mm Hg . Higher pressure damages mucosa
Central Venous Pressure: 3- 12 cm/H2O. High CVP indicate hypervolemia
Endotracheal cuff pressure should be < 20 mm Hg
PPD : >5mm: immunosuppressed >10 mm: healthy pts.