Learn life-threatening values: K+ <3.0 or >5.0, glucose <70 or >400, Hgb <7, platelets <50,000, INR >5, creatinine >4. These require immediate notification of provider and intervention. Create flashcards for these priority values.
Cardiac: troponin, CK-MB, BNP. Renal: BUN, creatinine, GFR. Liver: ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin. Hematology: CBC with differential. Infection: WBC, ESR, CRP, procalcitonin. This systematic approach improves retention.
Don't just memorize numbers - understand the why. High WBC = infection, low Hgb = anemia/bleeding, high troponin = heart damage, low albumin = malnutrition/liver disease. Connect labs to patient symptoms and conditions.
Diuretics affect electrolytes (K+, Na+, Mg+). ACE inhibitors can raise K+ and creatinine. Statins can elevate liver enzymes. Heparin affects PTT, warfarin affects PT/INR. Always consider medication effects when reviewing labs.
NCLEX questions often give you lab values and ask what to do first. Practice interpreting multiple labs together, identifying trends, and prioritizing interventions. Look for patterns: which lab result is most concerning?
📊 Pro Tip: Make a "cheat sheet" of normal ranges and keep it handy during clinical rotations!
