Lab
Values

Cheat Sheet

What’s Included in the Lab Values Cheat Sheet?

Do less worrying and more learning with our free Lab Values Cheat Sheet.

This downloadable guide is perfect for busy nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam.

Our comprehensive cheat sheet features:

  • Normal ranges for the top 17 lab values you need to know
  • Quick and easy reference format for on-the-go studying
  • Tips and tricks for remembering key information

No more flipping through multiple textbooks or searching the internet for reliable sources. This cheat sheet has all the essential information in one convenient place.

Check Out Our Free Lab Values Video Resource

Beyond the cheat sheet, we also offer a free video resource.

Our lab values video covers the top lab values and explains each in detail. With visual aids and clear explanations, this video is a valuable tool for retaining key information.

Access the video resource here.

Why Knowing Normal Lab Values is Important for Nurses

Understanding normal lab values is crucial for nurses as it forms the foundation for client assessment and management.

These values allow nurses to:

  • Detect abnormalities.
  • Monitor treatment progress.
  • Make informed decisions about client care.

Normal lab values are the benchmarks for identifying critical conditions and initiating life-saving interventions. Let’s review the top lab values grouped by study areas.

Electrolyte Studies Normal Lab Values

Electrolytes are minerals in the body that help maintain fluid balance, muscle function, and other essential processes.

Nurses might call for an electrolyte study to diagnose and monitor conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, or heart problems.

Here are the indications and normal lab values for commonly tested electrolytes:

Sodium (Na)

Indications

Sodium levels are crucial for fluid balance and nerve function.

Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, kidney issues, or other health problems.

Normal Values

  • 135 to 145 mEq/L

 Potassium (K+)

Indications 

Potassium is essential for heart and muscle function.

Abnormal levels can indicate kidney problems, dehydration, or other health issues.

Normal Values

  • 3.5 to 5.0 mEq 

Chloride (Cl-)

Indications

Chloride levels are necessary for maintaining the body’s acid-base balance and fluid volume.

Nurses may use this test to monitor clients with kidney disease, heart conditions, or dehydration.

Normal Values

  • 97 to 107 mEq/L 

Calcium (Ca+)

Indications

Calcium is vital for blood clotting, bone health, and muscle function.

Abnormal levels can indicate kidney problems, hormone imbalances, or other health issues.

Normal Values

  •  9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL

Magnesium (Mg+)

Indications

Magnesium is essential for nerve and muscle function.

It’s also essential for maintaining a steady heart rhythm. Abnormal levels can indicate kidney problems, hormone imbalances, or other health issues.

Normal Values

  • 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L

Renal Function Studies Normal Lab Values

Renal function tests measure substances in the blood, urine, or other body fluids to indicate if the kidneys function properly.

A nurse might call for a renal study if the client is experiencing symptoms like high blood pressure, changes in urination, or swelling in the hands and feet. Here are the normal lab values and indications for common renal function tests:

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Indications

BUN is a waste product the liver generates, and the kidney filters it out of the body.

Abnormal levels can indicate kidney problems or dehydration.

Normal Values

  • 10 to 20 mg/dL

Creatinine (Cr)

Indications

Creatinine is a waste product the muscles generate, and the kidney filters it out of the body.

Abnormal levels can indicate kidney problems or muscle disorders.

Normal Values

  • Over 1.3 mg/dL

Glucose Studies Normal Lab Values

Glucose studies measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

This can help HCPs diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels in clients. A nurse might call for a glucose study if the client is experiencing symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss.

Glucose

Indications

Glucose, processed by the liver, serves as the primary energy source for your body.

Abnormal levels can indicate diabetes, liver disease, or hormonal imbalances.

Normal Values

  • Fasting glucose: 70 to 110 mg/dL

Erythrocyte Studies Normal Lab Values

Erythrocyte studies focus on the components and function of red blood cells.

A nurse might call for an erythrocyte study when a client experiences fatigue, weakness, or signs of anemia.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Indications

RBCs carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Abnormal levels can indicate anemia, blood loss, or bone marrow disorders.

Normal Values

  • Male: 4.7 to 6.1 million cells/µL
  • Female: 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/µL

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

Indications 

Hemoglobin, a protein found in RBCs, transports oxygen and gives blood its distinctive red color.

Abnormal levels can indicate anemia, blood loss, or bone marrow disorders.

Normal Values

  • Male: 14 to 18 grams/dL
  • Female: 12 to 16 grams/dL

Hematocrit (Hct)

Indications

Hct measures the percentage of blood that makes up RBCs.

It helps identify anemia, dehydration, or other conditions that affect blood volume.

Normal Values

  • Male: 42% to 52%
  • Female: 37% to 47%

Leukocytes Studies Normal Lab Values

Leukocyte studies assess the number and function of white blood cells (WBCs).

These cells are crucial for fighting infection and maintaining immunity. A nurse might call for a leukocyte study if a client has symptoms of infection, like fever, pain, or inflammation. 

WBCs

Indications

Abnormal WBC levels can indicate infection, inflammation, or immune system disorders.

WBC studies can also help diagnose leukemia and other types of cancer.

Normal Values

  • 5,000 to 10,000 cells/µL

Coagulation Studies Normal Lab Values

Coagulation studies assess the blood’s ability to clot properly, which is critical for preventing excessive bleeding and diagnosing clotting disorders.

Platelets (PLTs)

Indications

A platelet count measures the amount of platelets in a blood sample.

This can help HCPs diagnose bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, or conditions that affect platelet production.

Normal Values

  • 150,000 to 400,000 cells/µL

Prothrombin Time (PT)

Indications

PT measures the amount of time it takes for blood to clot.

Nurses use it to evaluate bleeding disorders and monitor clients on anticoagulant therapy.Normal Values

  • 11 to 12.5 seconds

International Normalized Ratio (INR)

Indications

Nurses use INR to monitor clients taking blood thinners like warfarin.

It helps ensure that the medication dosage is safe and effective.

Normal Values

  • 0.9 to 1.2 for clients not on warfarin
  • 2 to 3 for clients on warfarin

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)

Indications

Nurses use aPTT to investigate unexplained bleeding or clotting.

It helps HCPs diagnose conditions like hemophilia and the presence of lupus anticoagulants.

Normal Values

  • 30 to 40 seconds for clients not on heparin
  • 46 to 70 seconds for clients on heparin

Get Your Free Lab Values Cheat Sheet and Video

Understanding lab values is crucial for passing your NCLEX exams and providing quality client care.

Remember to request your free lab values cheat sheet and video so you’ll be ready on test day and beyond!