NCLEX Lab Values
High-yield laboratory reference for nursing students and NCLEX preparation.
High-yield laboratory reference for nursing students and NCLEX preparation.
I. Serum Electrolytes
- Sodium (Na⁺): 135–145 mEq/L
- Potassium (K⁺): 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
- Calcium (Ca²⁺): 8.6–10.2 mg/dL
- Magnesium (Mg²⁺): 1.5–2.5 mEq/L
- Phosphorus: 3.0–4.5 mg/dL
- Chloride (Cl⁻): 98–106 mEq/L
II. Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)
- pH: 7.35–7.45
- PaCO₂: 35–45 mm Hg
- PaO₂: 80–100 mm Hg
- HCO₃⁻: 22–26 mEq/L
III. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- RBC:
- Males: 4.7–6.1 million/µL
- Females: 4.2–5.4 million/µL
- Hemoglobin (Hgb):
- Males: 13.5–17.5 g/dL
- Females: 12–16 g/dL
- Hematocrit (Hct):
- Males: 41–50%
- Females: 36–47%
- WBC: 4,000–11,000 /mm³
- ESR:
- Males: < 15 mm/hr
- Females: < 20 mm/hr
IV. Blood Lipid Levels
- Total Cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
- LDL: < 130 mg/dL
- HDL:
- Males: 35–65 mg/dL
- Females: 35–80 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: < 150 mg/dL
V. Coagulation & Anticoagulant Therapy
- PT: 11–12.5 sec
- aPTT:
- Normal: 25–35 sec
- Therapeutic (Heparin): 46–70 sec
- INR:
- Normal: 1.0–1.2
- Therapeutic (Warfarin): 2–3
- Platelets: 150,000–400,000 /mm³
VI. Liver Function Tests
- Albumin: 3.5–5.0 g/dL
- Ammonia: 15–45 mcg/dL
- Bilirubin: 0.2–1.2 mg/dL
- Total Protein: 6–8 g/dL
- ALT: 10–40 U/L
VII. Urinalysis
- Specific Gravity: 1.003–1.030
- Protein: Negative / Trace
- Glucose: Negative
- Ketones: Negative
- pH: 4.6–8.0
- WBC:
- Males: 0–3 /HPF
- Females: 0–5 /HPF
VIII. Renal Function
- Creatinine:
- Males: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
- Females: 0.5–1.1 mg/dL
- BUN:
- Adults: 6–20 mg/dL
- Older Adults: 8–23 mg/dL
- GFR:
- Males: 90–120 mL/min
- Females: 80–120 mL/min
IX. Therapeutic Drug Levels
- Digoxin: 0.8–2.0 ng/mL
- Lithium: 0.6–1.2 mEq/L
- Phenobarbital: 10–40 mcg/mL
- Phenytoin (Dilantin): 10–20 mcg/mL
X. Blood Glucose
- Fasting Glucose: 70–105 mg/dL
- HbA1c: 4–6%
- Poor Diabetes Control: > 8%
XI. Miscellaneous
- CVP: 2–8 mm Hg
- PAWP: 6–12 mm Hg
- BMI: 18.5–24.9 kg/m²
- MAP: 70–105 mm Hg (≥65 adequate perfusion)
Mastering these values is essential for safe clinical judgment
and NCLEX success.
and NCLEX success.