The nurse is caring for a client admitted with a potassium level of \(3.9 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\), a blood glucose level of \(98 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\), a serum calcium level of \(10.0 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\), and a blood urea nitrogen level of \(30 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\). Which of these values should be reported to the physician immediately? A. The potassium level of \(3.9 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) B. The serum calcium level of \(10.0 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\) C. The blood glucose level of \(98 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\) D. The blood urea nitrogen level of \(30 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\)

Understanding normal laboratory reference ranges is crucial for interpreting lab results accurately. These ranges represent the expected values for a healthy individual and are established based on a large number of healthy people.

For instance, the normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L and for glucose 70 to 100 mg/dL. Serum calcium falls in the range of 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. An essential function of these ranges is to help healthcare professionals determine whether a patient's lab results signify a potential health issue.

It's important for nursing students and professionals alike to memorize these values and understand that they can vary slightly depending on the lab, the measurement units used, and even the patient's age and sex. Small deviations from the norm may be clinically irrelevant, while larger discrepancies often warrant further investigation.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels are typically used to gauge renal function, hydration status, and to assess the body's protein metabolism.

The normal BUN range is between 7 to 20 mg/dL. When interpreting BUN levels, it's not just the numbers that count - clinical context is key. For instance, a high BUN level, such as 30 mg/dL, could indicate renal impairment, dehydration, high protein diet, or other conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding.

High BUN levels can have nonspecific symptoms or may present with signs of underlying causes like fatigue in renal impairment or dry mucous membranes in dehydration. Nursing assessments that focus on the patient’s full health picture are essential when reviewing BUN results.

A thorough nursing assessment is the cornerstone of patient care and plays a critical role in interpreting laboratory values.

Assessment extends beyond measuring vitals; it encompasses reviewing lab results, understanding the patient's medical history, current presentation, and symptomatology. When analyzing lab values like BUN, nurses must consider the patient’s overall clinical picture, including medications, physical examination findings, and fluid balance.

For students, developing strong assessment skills is essential. This includes knowing normal lab values, recognizing deviations, and understanding potential implications for the patient. Effective assessments inform nursing diagnoses and ultimately shape patient care plans.

Clinical decision making in nursing involves the integration of evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and clinical judgment.

When confronted with lab values, like an elevated BUN level, nurses must decide the urgency and the appropriate response. This encompasses knowing which findings are clinically significant and require immediate intervention or reporting to a physician, such as a BUN level of 30 mg/dL.

In clinical scenarios, decision making also involves considering patient preferences and values, collaborating with the healthcare team, and continuous reassessment to achieve the best patient outcomes. Students are encouraged to practice these skills through simulations and clinical experiences to prepare for real-life situations.