Labs | Diagnostic Tests - The Nclex Pub

Labs | Diagnostic Tests

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The NCLEX is no longer testing students on the ranges of labs, as the exam is focused on how the student can interpret the abnormal labs. Study this table to understand the indication and interpretation of your patient’s labs.

Lab/Diagnostic Test	Normal Range	Indication	Meaning of High Result	Meaning of Low Result
Vital Signs
Heart Rate (HR)	60-100 bpm	Assessing cardiac function	High HR: Tachycardia (may indicate stress, fever, or heart disease)	Low HR: Bradycardia (may indicate heart block or certain medications)
Blood Pressure (BP)	90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg	Assessing cardiovascular health	High BP: Hypertension (increased risk of cardiovascular disease)	Low BP: Hypotension (may lead to insufficient blood flow to organs)
Respiratory Rate (RR)	12 to 20 breaths per minute	Assessing respiratory function	High RR: Tachypnea (may indicate respiratory distress or fever)	Low RR: Bradypnea (may indicate respiratory depression or neurological issues)
Temperature (Temp)	36.5 to 37.2°C (97.8-99°F)	Monitoring body temperature	High Temp: Fever (infection or inflammation)	Low Temp: Hypothermia (body can't maintain normal temperature)
Blood Gas
pH	7.35-7.45	Assessing acid-base balance	High pH: Alkalosis (respiratory or metabolic)	Low pH: Acidosis (respiratory or metabolic)
PaO2 (Partial Pressure of Oxygen)	80-100 mm Hg	Evaluating oxygenation	High PaO2: Oxygen excess (may indicate overventilation)	Low PaO2: Hypoxemia (inadequate oxygen in the blood)
PaCO2 (Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide)	35-45 mm Hg	Assessing ventilation	High PaCO2: Hypercapnia (respiratory issue)	Low PaCO2: Hypocapnia (hyperventilation or metabolic issue)
HCO3 (Bicarbonate)	22-26 mEq/L	Evaluating metabolic status	High HCO3: Metabolic alkalosis	Low HCO3: Metabolic acidosis
SaO2 (Oxygen Saturation)	> 95%	Assessing oxygen saturation	High SaO2: Oxygen saturation above normal (rare)	Low SaO2: Hypoxemia (oxygen saturation below normal)
Lipoproteins & Triglycerides
Total Cholesterol	< 200 mg/dL	Assessing cardiovascular risk	High Cholesterol: Hypercholesterolemia (risk of atherosclerosis)	Low Cholesterol: Uncommon, but can affect lipid metabolism
Triglycerides	< 150 mg/dL	Assessing lipid metabolism	High Triglycerides: Hypertriglyceridemia (associated with cardiovascular risk)	Low Triglycerides: Generally not concerning
HDL Cholesterol	> 60 mg/dL	Evaluating "good" cholesterol	High HDL: Lower risk of cardiovascular disease	Low HDL: Increased cardiovascular risk
LDL Cholesterol	< 70 mg/dL	Assessing "bad" cholesterol	High LDL: High cardiovascular risk	Low LDL: Generally considered better
Hematology
Hematocrit (HCT)	Female: 37-47% Male: 42-52%	Assessing red blood cell volume	High HCT: Polycythemia (increased red blood cells)	Low HCT: Anemia (decreased red blood cells)
Hemoglobin (HGB)	Female: 12-16 g/dL Male: 14-18 g/dL	Measuring oxygen-carrying capacity	High HGB: Polycythemia (increased oxygen-carrying capacity)	Low HGB: Anemia (reduced oxygen-carrying capacity)
White Blood Cell (WBC) Count	5,000-10,000 /uL	Evaluating immune function	High WBC: Leukocytosis (infection or inflammation)	Low WBC: Leukopenia (immune system suppression)
Platelet Count	150,000-400,000 mm3	Assessing clotting function	High Platelets: Thrombocytosis (risk of clotting)	Low Platelets: Thrombocytopenia (bleeding risk)
Prothrombin Time (PT)	11-12.5 seconds	Monitoring clotting time	High PT: Prolonged clotting time (coagulation disorder)	-
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)	30-40 seconds	Assessing clotting factors	High aPTT: Prolonged clotting time (coagulation disorder)	-
International Normalized Ratio (INR)	On Warfarin: 2-3 Not on Warfarin: 0.8-1.1	Monitoring Warfarin therapy	High INR: Increased risk of bleeding	-
Cardiac Markers
Troponin	< 0.01 ng/mL	Evaluating myocardial injury	High Troponin: Myocardial damage (heart attack)	-
C-reactive Protein	≤ 0.8 mg/dL	Assessing inflammation	High CRP: Inflammation or infection	-
CD40 Ligand	1.51-5.35 mg/L	Measuring platelet activation	High CD40 Ligand: Increased platelet activation	-
Creatinine Kinase (CK)	0-3 mcg/L	Assessing muscle damage	High CK: Muscle injury or disease	-
Serum Electrolytes
Sodium (Na)	135-145 mEq/L	Evaluating electrolyte balance	High Sodium: Hypernatremia (dehydration or kidney issues)	Low Sodium: Hyponatremia (water excess or adrenal issues)
Potassium (K)	3.5-5 mEq/L	Assessing potassium levels	High Potassium: Hyperkalemia (heart arrhythmias)	Low Potassium: Hypokalemia (muscle weakness, arrhythmias)
Chloride (Cl)	98-106 mEq/L	Monitoring chloride levels	High Chloride: Hyperchloremia (dehydration or metabolic issues)	Low Chloride: Hypochloremia (vomiting or metabolic alkalosis)
Calcium (Ca)	9-10.5 mEq/L	Assessing calcium levels	High Calcium: Hypercalcemia (kidney or parathyroid



Lab/Diagnostic Test	Normal Range	Indication	Meaning of High Result	Meaning of Low Result
Serum Electrolytes
Magnesium (Mg)	1.3-2.1 mEq/L (therapeutic range) 4-7 mEq/L if on magnesium	Evaluating magnesium status	High Magnesium: Hypermagnesemia (renal dysfunction or excessive intake)	Low Magnesium: Hypomagnesemia (muscle cramps, arrhythmias)
Phosphorus (PO4)	3.5-4.5 mEq/L	Assessing phosphate levels	High Phosphorus: Hyperphosphatemia (renal dysfunction or metabolic issues)	Low Phosphorus: Hypophosphatemia (muscle weakness, bone issues)
Chemistry
Amylase	56-90 IU/L	Assessing pancreatic function	High Amylase: Pancreatic inflammation or injury (pancreatitis)	Low Amylase: Uncommon, but may indicate pancreatic insufficiency
Lipase	0-110 units/L	Monitoring pancreatic enzymes	High Lipase: Pancreatic inflammation or injury (pancreatitis)	-
Total Bilirubin	0-1 mg/dL	Evaluating liver function	High Bilirubin: Liver dysfunction or obstruction (jaundice)	-
Albumin	3.5-5 g/dL	Assessing liver and kidney function	High Albumin: Uncommon, may indicate dehydration	Low Albumin: Liver or kidney disease, malnutrition
Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP)	< 10 ng/mL (normal for adults) > 500 could indicate liver tumors	Screening for liver tumors	High AFP: Possible liver tumor or certain cancers	-
Ammonia	15-110 mg/dL	Assessing liver function	High Ammonia: Liver dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy)	-
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	10-20 mg/dL	Evaluating kidney function	High BUN: Kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake	Low BUN: Rare, may indicate liver disease or malnutrition
Serum Creatinine	0.6-1.2 mg/dL	Assessing kidney function	High Creatinine: Kidney dysfunction or reduced kidney filtration	Low Creatinine: Uncommon, may indicate low muscle mass or certain conditions


Lab/Diagnostic Test	Normal Range	Indication	Meaning of High Result	Meaning of Low Result
Thyroid Function
Total T3 (Triiodothyronine)	70-205 ng/dL	Assessing thyroid function	High Total T3: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)	Low Total T3: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
T4 (Thyroxine)	4-12 mcg/dL	Evaluating thyroid hormone levels	High T4: Hyperthyroidism	Low T4: Hypothyroidism
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)	0.4-0.6 microunits/mL	Monitoring thyroid function	High TSH: Hypothyroidism	Low TSH: Hyperthyroidism
Urinalysis
Urine Specific Gravity	1.003-1.030	Assessing urine concentration	High Specific Gravity: Dehydration	Low Specific Gravity: Overhydration or kidney dysfunction
Urine Volume	1-2 L/day	Monitoring daily urine output	High Urine Volume: Polyuria (excessive urination)	Low Urine Volume: Oliguria (decreased urination)
Urine pH	4.5-8	Evaluating urine acidity	High Urine pH: Alkaline urine (metabolic alkalosis)	Low Urine pH: Acidic urine (metabolic acidosis)
Glucose in Urine	< 130 mg/dL	Detecting hyperglycemia	High Glucose: Hyperglycemia (diabetes or stress)	-
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in Urine	≤ 3 RBCs	Evaluating kidney or urinary tract issues	High RBCs: Hematuria (kidney stones, infection)	-
White Blood Cells (WBCs) in Urine	≤ 2-5 WBCs/hpf	Detecting urinary tract infection	High WBCs: Pyuria (infection or inflammation)	-
Protein in Urine	≤ 150 mg/dL	Assessing kidney function	High Protein: Proteinuria (kidney disease or injury)	-
Bacteria in Urine	None	Detecting urinary tract infection	High Bacteria: UTI (urinary tract infection)	-
Ketones in Urine	None	Evaluating for diabetic ketoacidosis	High Ketones: Diabetic ketoacidosis (uncontrolled diabetes)	-
Nitrites in Urine	Negative	Detecting UTI (urinary tract infection)	High Nitrites: UTI (urinary tract infection)	-


Diagnostic Procedure	Organ System	Indication	Meaning of Abnormality
X-Ray	Various	Imaging for bones and tissues	Abnormal findings may include fractures, tumors, or infections.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)	Various	Detailed cross-sectional imaging	Abnormalities can range from organ lesions to structural abnormalities.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)	Various	Imaging soft tissues, brain, spinal cord	Abnormalities may include tumors, strokes, or multiple sclerosis.
Ultrasound	Various	Imaging for organs, blood vessels, fetus	Abnormalities can include cysts, tumors, or fetal anomalies.
Endoscopy	Gastrointestinal, Respiratory	Visual inspection of internal organs	Abnormalities may include ulcers, polyps, or tumors.
Colonoscopy	Gastrointestinal	Examination of the colon	Abnormalities can include colorectal polyps or cancer.
Bronchoscopy	Respiratory	Inspection of airways	Abnormalities may include lung tumors or infections.
Echocardiogram	Cardiovascular	Imaging the heart and blood flow	Abnormalities can include valve defects or heart wall abnormalities.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)	Cardiovascular	Recording heart's electrical activity	Abnormalities may indicate arrhythmias or heart disease.
Pulmonary Function Tests	Respiratory	Assess lung function	Abnormal results may indicate lung disease or obstructive disorders.
Bone Densitometry (DEXA)	Musculoskeletal	Assess bone density	Abnormalities can indicate osteoporosis or bone fractures.
Mammography	Breast	Breast cancer screening	Abnormalities may include breast masses or calcifications.
Pap Smear	Gynecological	Cervical cancer screening	Abnormalities can indicate cervical dysplasia or cancer.
Biopsy	Various	Tissue sample collection	Abnormal results may reveal malignancies or infections.
Lumbar Puncture	Nervous System	Cerebrospinal fluid analysis	Abnormalities can indicate infections or neurological conditions.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)	Nervous System	Recording brain activity	Abnormalities may indicate epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
Colonoscopy	Gastrointestinal	Examination of the colon	Abnormalities can include colorectal polyps or cancer.
Arthroscopy	Musculoskeletal	Joint examination	Abnormalities may include cartilage tears or joint inflammation.
Doppler Ultrasound	Cardiovascular	Assess blood flow	Abnormalities may indicate vascular blockages or aneurysms.
Liver Biopsy	Hepatobiliary	Liver tissue sample	Abnormalities can reveal liver diseases or cirrhosis.
Thyroid Function Tests	Endocrine	Assess thyroid hormones	Abnormalities may indicate hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Diagnostic Procedure	Organ System	Indication	Meaning of Abnormality
Spirometry	Respiratory	Assess lung function	Abnormalities may indicate obstructive lung diseases like asthma or COPD.
Cardiac Catheterization	Cardiovascular	Visualizing heart vessels	Abnormalities can reveal coronary artery disease or blockages.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)	Cardiovascular	Imaging blood vessels	Abnormalities may indicate aneurysms or vascular diseases.
Cystoscopy	Urinary	Bladder examination	Abnormalities can include bladder tumors or inflammation.
Sigmoidoscopy	Gastrointestinal	Lower bowel examination	Abnormalities may indicate colorectal polyps or disease.
Electromyography (EMG)	Musculoskeletal	Assess muscle and nerve function	Abnormalities can indicate neuromuscular disorders.
Hysteroscopy	Gynecological	Uterine cavity inspection	Abnormalities can include uterine polyps or fibroids.
Nuclear Medicine Scans	Various	Assess organ function	Abnormal findings may indicate tumors, infections, or functional issues.
Fluoroscopy	Various	Real-time X-ray imaging	Abnormalities can reveal movement or blockages in organs.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)	Various	Functional imaging	Abnormalities may indicate cancer, neurological conditions, or infections.
Thallium Stress Test	Cardiovascular	Assess heart function under stress	Abnormalities may indicate coronary artery disease or reduced blood flow to the heart.
Hemodynamic Monitoring	Cardiovascular	Measure heart and blood pressure	Abnormalities can indicate heart failure or circulatory issues.
Nasogastric Tube Placement	Gastrointestinal	Verify tube placement	Abnormal placement can lead to complications like aspiration.
Skin Biopsy	Integumentary	Skin tissue sampling	Abnormalities can reveal skin cancer or dermatological conditions.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)	Hematological	Assess blood proteins	Abnormalities can indicate multiple myeloma or other blood disorders.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)	Gastrointestinal	Detect hidden blood in stool	Abnormal results may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding or cancer.
Sputum Culture	Respiratory	Identify respiratory infections	Abnormalities can indicate bacterial or fungal infections.
Treadmill Stress Test	Cardiovascular	Assess heart function during exercise	Abnormalities may indicate heart disease or arrhythmias.
Laryngoscopy	Respiratory	Examination of the larynx	Abnormalities can include vocal cord disorders or tumors.
Transvaginal Ultrasound	Gynecological	Imaging pelvic organs	Abnormalities may reveal ovarian cysts or uterine abnormalities.
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram	Cardiovascular	Assess heart function with dobutamine	Abnormalities can indicate coronary artery disease or heart muscle problems.


Remember that interpretation of test results should always consider the patient's clinical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors.

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Hemodynamic Lab	Organ System	Indication	Meaning of Abnormality
Cardiac Output (CO)	Cardiovascular	Assess heart performance	High CO: May indicate heart failure or hyperthyroidism. Low CO: Heart failure, shock, or severe dehydration.
Stroke Volume (SV)	Cardiovascular	Measure blood ejected per heartbeat	High SV: Can occur in athletes or heart conditions. Low SV: Heart failure or valve disorders.
Heart Rate (HR)	Cardiovascular	Evaluate heart rhythm	High HR: May indicate fever, anxiety, or arrhythmias. Low HR: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) or heart block.
Blood Pressure (BP)	Cardiovascular	Assess vascular function	High BP: Hypertension or stress. Low BP: Hypotension or shock.
Central Venous Pressure (CVP)	Cardiovascular	Evaluate right heart function	High CVP: Right heart failure or fluid overload. Low CVP: Dehydration or blood loss.
Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP)	Cardiovascular	Assess pulmonary circulation	High PAP: Pulmonary hypertension or lung disease. Low PAP: May indicate hypovolemia or reduced cardiac output.
Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP)	Cardiovascular	Assess left heart function	High PCWP: Left heart failure or valve disorders. Low PCWP: Hypovolemia or reduced cardiac output.
Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)	Cardiovascular	Measure resistance in systemic vessels	High SVR: May indicate hypertension. Low SVR: Vasodilation or sepsis.
Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR)	Cardiovascular	Measure resistance in pulmonary vessels	High PVR: Pulmonary hypertension or lung disease. Low PVR: Vasodilation or reduced blood flow.

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