Abnormal Lab Results:
Lab Test
Decreased Levels
Na+
Hyponatremia – s/s: apprehension, anxiety, muscular twitching, muscular weakness,
headache, tachycardia, hypotension
K+
Hypokalemia – s/s: vertigo, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal distension, decreased peristalsis, muscle weakness, leg cramps
Glucose
Hypoglycemia – s/s: nervousness, weakness, confusion, cold clammy skin, diaphoresis,
increased pulse rate
BUN
Observe for s/s overhydration: dyspnea, neck vein engorgement, peripheral edema, puffy
eyelids, weight gain
Creatinine
Found in clients with small muscle mass, amputees, clients with muscle disease
HGB
Observe for s/s anemia: dizziness, tachycardia, weakness, dyspnea at rest
HCT
WBC
Platelet
Observe for s/s anemia: fatigue, paleness, dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, dyspnea at rest
Observe for s/s shock: tachycardia, tachypnea, normal or decreased blood pressure
Leukopenia – a decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) found in the
blood, which places individuals at increased risk of infection
Observe for s/s bleeding: purpura, petechiae, hematemesis, rectal bleeding
Increased Levels
Hypernatremia – s/s: restlessness, thirst, flushed skin, dry sticky mucous membranes, rough
dry tongue tachycardia
Hyperkalemia – s/s: bradycardia, abdominal cramps, oliguria or anuria, tingling, twitching or
numbness of extremities
Hyperglycemia – s/s: excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), excessive
hunger (polyphagia), weight loss
Observe for s/s dehydration: poor skin turgor, increased pulse rate respiration, dry mucous
membrane, decreased urine output <25ml/hr
Found in clients with renal dysfunction
Observe for s/s dehydration: marked thirst, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, shock
like symptoms (tachycardia, tachypnea, later, a decreased blood pressure)
Observe for s/s shock: tachycardia, tachypnea, normal or decreased blood pressure
Leukocytosis – a raised white blood cell count above the normal range. Although it may
indicate illness, leukocytosis is considered a laboratory finding instead of a separate disease
May cause increased clotting