Lab Values & Ranges | 2025/2026 NCLEX Essentials | Clinical Reference Guide

This document serves as a complete and accurate reference sheet for the most important laboratory values and diagnostic ranges that nursing students must memorize for both clinical practice and NCLEX-style exams during the 2025/2026 academic year. Presented in a straightforward Q&A format, each lab value is accompanied by the correct reference range, making this resource ideal for both quick review and in-depth study. Included lab categories cover: Metabolic and electrolyte values (glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphorus) Renal function (BUN, creatinine) Liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, total protein) Lipid panel (HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol) Diabetes monitoring (Hemoglobin A1c) Arterial blood gases (pH, pCO₂, HCO₃, PO₂, O₂ sat) Hematology (WBC, RBC, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit) Coagulation studies (PT, INR, aPTT for warfarin and heparin therapy) This resource is essential for: BSN, ADN, and LPN/LVN students Learners in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Critical Care Anyone preparing for NCLEX-RN/PN, HESI, ATI, or Kaplan exams Ideal for clinical rotations, exam prep, or as a bedside reference, this guide ensures students are equipped with the accurate lab ranges needed for safe and effective patient care. Keywords: lab values, NCLEX lab guide, metabolic panel, electrolytes, renal function, liver function, lipid profile, ABGs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, coagulation studies, warfarin INR, heparin aPTT, nursing lab sheet, NCLEX must-know labs, vital ranges, blood chemistry, 2025 nursing reference