Lab
Interpretation
Description
Do
you often struggle at understanding lab results? How
do the results relate to the differential diagnosis
and course of patient treatment? Interpretation of
lab data is an essential skill required of nurses
working in all practice settings. Through the review
of physiology, pathophysiology and the application
of critical thinking skills, you will be able to more
easily appreciate how lab tests are integrated in
patient care decisions. Applying this knowledge within
the clinical setting will lead to improved patient
care. Participants will receive a handout, including
information detailing normal ranges, panic values,
and the pathophysiologic basis of abnormal values.
Objectives
Upon
completion of Lab Interpretation, the learner will:
-
Explain
a "left shift"
-
Utilizing
the differential, differentiate between an acute
infection and an allergic response
-
Summarize
how to evaluate the differential in a CBC for identification
of iron deficiency anemia
-
Discuss
various uses of the comprehensive metabolic panel
to identify specific client conditions including
identifying a client in renal failure
-
Examine
the relationship between the international normalization
ratio (INR) and prothrombin time (PT) results
-
List
five uses for a urinalysis in making a diagnosis
-
Determine
how culture and sensitivity reports relate to treatment
decisions
-
Describe
how hydrogen ions influence pH levels
-
Interpret
an arterial blood gas to determine acute respiratory
failure
-
Compare
cardiac marker studies in the course of treatment
for a client with an acute myocardial infarction
vs. a client without an acute myocardial infarction
