NUR 242 — EXAM 2 COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE (ALL UNITS)
UNIT 3: Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-Base (Ch 13-14) | UNITS 4/5: Cardiovascular (Ch 27-30, 44) | UNIT 6: Urinary/Renal (Ch 57-59,61,64) | UNIT 7:
GI (Ch 46-49,51)
■ ALL LAB VALUES ARE GALEN COLLEGE STANDARDIZED VALUES — These are the ONLY values you will be tested on at Galen.
■ GALEN STANDARDIZED LAB VALUES — MEMORIZE THESE (From Your Screenshots)
HEMATOLOGIC — Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Test (Galen Value) Normal Range Why It Matters
Hemoglobin (Hgb) Male: 14-18 g/dL | Female: 12-16 g/dL | Pregnant: Low Hgb = anemia (fatigue, pallor, tachycardia). Blood
>11 g/dL transfusion if severely low.
Hematocrit (Hct) Male: 42-52% | Female: 37-47% | Pregnant: >33% Think: Hct is roughly 3× Hgb value. Low Hct = anemia or
blood loss.
WBC Both Sexes: 5,000-10,000 mm³ High WBC = infection/inflammation. Low WBC =
immunosuppression.
Platelets (PLT) Both Sexes: 150,000-400,000 mm³ Low = bleeding risk (thrombocytopenia). High = clotting risk.
RBC Male: 4.7-6.1 mm³ | Female: 4.2-5.4 mm³ Carry O2. Low = anemia. High = polycythemia.
HEMATOLOGIC — Coagulation Panel (COAGS) — CRITICAL FOR ANTICOAGULATION MONITORING
Test (Galen Value) Normal Range Clinical Significance
PT (Prothrombin Time) 11-12.5 sec | On warfarin: 1.5-2.5× normal Monitors WARFARIN therapy. Prolonged = bleeding risk.
INR (International Normal: 0.9-1.2 | Therapeutic on warfarin: 2-3 TARGET INR 2-3 for DVT/A-Fib. >3 = bleeding risk. <2 = clot
Normalized Ratio) risk.
PTT (Partial Thromboplastin 20-30 sec | On heparin: 1.5-2.5× normal Less specific than aPTT. Monitors heparin therapy.
Time)
aPTT (Activated PTT) 30-40 sec | On heparin: 1.5-2.5× normal MONITORS HEPARIN. Therapeutic 45-70 sec (1.5-2.5×). >70
= notify provider.
Bleeding Time 1-9 minutes Platelet function. Prolonged = platelet disorder or aspirin use.
D-Dimer <500 ng/mL ELEVATED in DVT/PE. Normal D-Dimer helps RULE OUT clot.
NOT specific — elevated in many conditions.
BLOOD CHEMISTRY — Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) — Electrolytes You MUST Know
Electrolyte/Lab (Galen Normal Range Critical Nursing Notes
Value)
Sodium (Na+) 135-145 mEq/L <135 = hyponatremia (confusion, seizures) | >145 =
hypernatremia (agitation, thirst)
Potassium (K+) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L <3.5 = hypokalemia (muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, ST
depression) | >5.0 = hyperkalemia (peaked T waves, bradycardia,
cardiac arrest risk)
Calcium (Ca2+) 9-10.5 mg/dL <9 = hypocalcemia (Chvostek+, Trousseau+, tetany) | >10.5 =
hypercalcemia (confusion, slow HR, constipation, clots)
Magnesium (Mg2+) Serum: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L | Therapeutic (Mg <1.5 = hypomagnesemia (tetany, dysrhythmias, Chvostek+) | >2.5
therapy): 3.3-6.6 mEq/L = hypermagnesemia (absent DTRs, respiratory depression)
Chloride (Cl-) 98-106 mEq/L Follows sodium. Low in vomiting/NG suction (metabolic alkalosis).
Glucose 70-110 mg/dL <70 = hypoglycemia (tremors, diaphoresis, confusion) | >110 =
hyperglycemia
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) 10-20 mg/dL Elevated = kidney dysfunction or dehydration
, Electrolyte/Lab (Galen Normal Range Critical Nursing Notes
Value)
Creatinine Male: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL | Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL Elevated = kidney dysfunction. More specific than BUN. In older
adults: may be normal despite poor kidney function (less muscle
mass).
GFR 90-120 mL/min <60 = CKD | <15 = kidney failure. Best overall marker of kidney
function.
Phosphorus (Phos) 2-4.5 mEq/L Inverse relationship with calcium.
CARDIAC MARKERS — For Heart Attack & Heart Failure
Cardiac Marker (Galen Normal Range Clinical Significance
Value)
Troponin I (TI) 0-0.1 ng/mL | Onset: 4-6 hrs | Peak: 12-24 hrs | Returns MOST SPECIFIC cardiac marker. Elevated = myocardial
normal: 4-7 days damage (MI). GOLD STANDARD for diagnosing MI.
Troponin T (TT) 0-0.2 ng/mL | Onset: 3-4 hrs | Peak: 10-24 hrs | Returns Also cardiac specific. Stays elevated longer than
normal: 10-14 days Troponin I.
Myoglobin Male: 10-95 ng/mL | Female: 10-65 ng/mL | Onset: 1-3 EARLIEST rising marker after MI. NOT cardiac specific
hrs | Peak: 6-10 hrs | Returns normal: 12-24 hrs (also in skeletal muscle).
CK-MB (CPK-MB) 0% of total CPK (cardiac specific) Elevated = myocardial damage. Peaks 24 hours after MI.
BNP (B-type Natriuretic <100 pg/mL = No HF | 100-300 = HF present | >300 = Released by ventricles when STRETCHED from fluid
Peptide) mild HF | >600 = moderate HF | >900 = severe HF overload. Higher = worse heart failure. Used to diagnose
and monitor HF severity.
LIPIDS, ABGs, URINE STUDIES & VITAL SIGNS — All Galen Values
Test (Galen Value) Normal Range Clinical Significance
Total Cholesterol <200 mg/dL Goal: <200. LDL <130 mg/dL (no risk) | <100 moderate | <70
cardiac pts. HDL >45 (male) / >55 (female).
Triglycerides (Trig) Male: 40-160 | Female: 35-135 mg/dL High = cardiovascular risk. Often elevated with obesity, DM, alcohol
use.
HgbA1C (Glycosylated Hgb) <6% Reflects average blood sugar PAST 3 MONTHS. >6.5% = diabetes
diagnosis.
TSH 0.5-5 milli-IU/L Low TSH = hyperthyroidism. High TSH = hypothyroidism.
Amylase 56-190 IU/L | Lipase: 0-110 IU/L Elevated in pancreatitis or ERCP complications. Lipase more
specific for pancreas.
ABG pH 7.35-7.45 <7.35 = ACIDOSIS | >7.45 = ALKALOSIS
PCO2 35-45 mmHg Respiratory acid-base indicator. >45 = respiratory acidosis. <35 =
respiratory alkalosis.
PO2 80-100 mmHg <80 = hypoxemia. Monitor with dyspnea and respiratory changes.
HCO3- (Bicarb) 22-28 mEq/L Metabolic acid-base indicator. <22 = metabolic acidosis. >28 =
metabolic alkalosis.
SaO2 95-100% <90% = oxygen therapy needed. <85% = emergency.
Urine Specific Gravity 1.005-1.030 Low = dilute urine (fluid overload/SIADH). High = concentrated urine
(dehydration).
ESR Male <15 mm/hr | Female <20 mm/hr Non-specific inflammation marker. Elevated in infection, IBD, GN.
CRP <6 mg/dL Elevated in acute inflammation, infection. Faster than ESR.
Adult Pulse (HR) 60-100 bpm <60 = bradycardia. >100 = tachycardia.
Adult BP <120/80 mmHg Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 | Stage 2: ≥140/90 | Crisis: ≥180/120 with
symptoms
UNIT 3: Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-Base (Ch 13-14) | UNITS 4/5: Cardiovascular (Ch 27-30, 44) | UNIT 6: Urinary/Renal (Ch 57-59,61,64) | UNIT 7:
GI (Ch 46-49,51)
■ ALL LAB VALUES ARE GALEN COLLEGE STANDARDIZED VALUES — These are the ONLY values you will be tested on at Galen.
■ GALEN STANDARDIZED LAB VALUES — MEMORIZE THESE (From Your Screenshots)
HEMATOLOGIC — Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Test (Galen Value) Normal Range Why It Matters
Hemoglobin (Hgb) Male: 14-18 g/dL | Female: 12-16 g/dL | Pregnant: Low Hgb = anemia (fatigue, pallor, tachycardia). Blood
>11 g/dL transfusion if severely low.
Hematocrit (Hct) Male: 42-52% | Female: 37-47% | Pregnant: >33% Think: Hct is roughly 3× Hgb value. Low Hct = anemia or
blood loss.
WBC Both Sexes: 5,000-10,000 mm³ High WBC = infection/inflammation. Low WBC =
immunosuppression.
Platelets (PLT) Both Sexes: 150,000-400,000 mm³ Low = bleeding risk (thrombocytopenia). High = clotting risk.
RBC Male: 4.7-6.1 mm³ | Female: 4.2-5.4 mm³ Carry O2. Low = anemia. High = polycythemia.
HEMATOLOGIC — Coagulation Panel (COAGS) — CRITICAL FOR ANTICOAGULATION MONITORING
Test (Galen Value) Normal Range Clinical Significance
PT (Prothrombin Time) 11-12.5 sec | On warfarin: 1.5-2.5× normal Monitors WARFARIN therapy. Prolonged = bleeding risk.
INR (International Normal: 0.9-1.2 | Therapeutic on warfarin: 2-3 TARGET INR 2-3 for DVT/A-Fib. >3 = bleeding risk. <2 = clot
Normalized Ratio) risk.
PTT (Partial Thromboplastin 20-30 sec | On heparin: 1.5-2.5× normal Less specific than aPTT. Monitors heparin therapy.
Time)
aPTT (Activated PTT) 30-40 sec | On heparin: 1.5-2.5× normal MONITORS HEPARIN. Therapeutic 45-70 sec (1.5-2.5×). >70
= notify provider.
Bleeding Time 1-9 minutes Platelet function. Prolonged = platelet disorder or aspirin use.
D-Dimer <500 ng/mL ELEVATED in DVT/PE. Normal D-Dimer helps RULE OUT clot.
NOT specific — elevated in many conditions.
BLOOD CHEMISTRY — Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) — Electrolytes You MUST Know
Electrolyte/Lab (Galen Normal Range Critical Nursing Notes
Value)
Sodium (Na+) 135-145 mEq/L <135 = hyponatremia (confusion, seizures) | >145 =
hypernatremia (agitation, thirst)
Potassium (K+) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L <3.5 = hypokalemia (muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, ST
depression) | >5.0 = hyperkalemia (peaked T waves, bradycardia,
cardiac arrest risk)
Calcium (Ca2+) 9-10.5 mg/dL <9 = hypocalcemia (Chvostek+, Trousseau+, tetany) | >10.5 =
hypercalcemia (confusion, slow HR, constipation, clots)
Magnesium (Mg2+) Serum: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L | Therapeutic (Mg <1.5 = hypomagnesemia (tetany, dysrhythmias, Chvostek+) | >2.5
therapy): 3.3-6.6 mEq/L = hypermagnesemia (absent DTRs, respiratory depression)
Chloride (Cl-) 98-106 mEq/L Follows sodium. Low in vomiting/NG suction (metabolic alkalosis).
Glucose 70-110 mg/dL <70 = hypoglycemia (tremors, diaphoresis, confusion) | >110 =
hyperglycemia
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) 10-20 mg/dL Elevated = kidney dysfunction or dehydration
, Electrolyte/Lab (Galen Normal Range Critical Nursing Notes
Value)
Creatinine Male: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL | Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL Elevated = kidney dysfunction. More specific than BUN. In older
adults: may be normal despite poor kidney function (less muscle
mass).
GFR 90-120 mL/min <60 = CKD | <15 = kidney failure. Best overall marker of kidney
function.
Phosphorus (Phos) 2-4.5 mEq/L Inverse relationship with calcium.
CARDIAC MARKERS — For Heart Attack & Heart Failure
Cardiac Marker (Galen Normal Range Clinical Significance
Value)
Troponin I (TI) 0-0.1 ng/mL | Onset: 4-6 hrs | Peak: 12-24 hrs | Returns MOST SPECIFIC cardiac marker. Elevated = myocardial
normal: 4-7 days damage (MI). GOLD STANDARD for diagnosing MI.
Troponin T (TT) 0-0.2 ng/mL | Onset: 3-4 hrs | Peak: 10-24 hrs | Returns Also cardiac specific. Stays elevated longer than
normal: 10-14 days Troponin I.
Myoglobin Male: 10-95 ng/mL | Female: 10-65 ng/mL | Onset: 1-3 EARLIEST rising marker after MI. NOT cardiac specific
hrs | Peak: 6-10 hrs | Returns normal: 12-24 hrs (also in skeletal muscle).
CK-MB (CPK-MB) 0% of total CPK (cardiac specific) Elevated = myocardial damage. Peaks 24 hours after MI.
BNP (B-type Natriuretic <100 pg/mL = No HF | 100-300 = HF present | >300 = Released by ventricles when STRETCHED from fluid
Peptide) mild HF | >600 = moderate HF | >900 = severe HF overload. Higher = worse heart failure. Used to diagnose
and monitor HF severity.
LIPIDS, ABGs, URINE STUDIES & VITAL SIGNS — All Galen Values
Test (Galen Value) Normal Range Clinical Significance
Total Cholesterol <200 mg/dL Goal: <200. LDL <130 mg/dL (no risk) | <100 moderate | <70
cardiac pts. HDL >45 (male) / >55 (female).
Triglycerides (Trig) Male: 40-160 | Female: 35-135 mg/dL High = cardiovascular risk. Often elevated with obesity, DM, alcohol
use.
HgbA1C (Glycosylated Hgb) <6% Reflects average blood sugar PAST 3 MONTHS. >6.5% = diabetes
diagnosis.
TSH 0.5-5 milli-IU/L Low TSH = hyperthyroidism. High TSH = hypothyroidism.
Amylase 56-190 IU/L | Lipase: 0-110 IU/L Elevated in pancreatitis or ERCP complications. Lipase more
specific for pancreas.
ABG pH 7.35-7.45 <7.35 = ACIDOSIS | >7.45 = ALKALOSIS
PCO2 35-45 mmHg Respiratory acid-base indicator. >45 = respiratory acidosis. <35 =
respiratory alkalosis.
PO2 80-100 mmHg <80 = hypoxemia. Monitor with dyspnea and respiratory changes.
HCO3- (Bicarb) 22-28 mEq/L Metabolic acid-base indicator. <22 = metabolic acidosis. >28 =
metabolic alkalosis.
SaO2 95-100% <90% = oxygen therapy needed. <85% = emergency.
Urine Specific Gravity 1.005-1.030 Low = dilute urine (fluid overload/SIADH). High = concentrated urine
(dehydration).
ESR Male <15 mm/hr | Female <20 mm/hr Non-specific inflammation marker. Elevated in infection, IBD, GN.
CRP <6 mg/dL Elevated in acute inflammation, infection. Faster than ESR.
Adult Pulse (HR) 60-100 bpm <60 = bradycardia. >100 = tachycardia.
Adult BP <120/80 mmHg Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 | Stage 2: ≥140/90 | Crisis: ≥180/120 with
symptoms
