CBC / Hematology
| WBC | 5,000–10,000 /mm³ |
| RBC | 4.2–6.1 million/mm³ |
| Hgb (M / F) | 14–18 / 12–16 g/dL |
| Hct (M / F) | 42–52 / 37–47 % |
| Platelets | 150,000–400,000 |
| ESR | <20 mm/hr |
↓platelets → bleeding (<20k = spontaneous).
Electrolytes
| Sodium | 135–145 mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.5–5.0 mEq/L |
| Calcium | 9.0–10.5 mg/dL |
| Magnesium | 1.5–2.5 mEq/L |
| Phosphorus | 3.0–4.5 mg/dL |
| Chloride | 98–106 mEq/L |
K⁺ most cardiac-critical: peaked T (high), U wave (low).
ABGs
| pH | 7.35–7.45 |
| PaCO₂ | 35–45 mmHg |
| HCO₃ | 22–26 mEq/L |
| PaO₂ | 80–100 mmHg |
| O₂ Sat | 95–100 % |
ROME: Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal.
Coagulation
| PT | 11–12.5 sec |
| INR | 0.8–1.1 (warfarin 2–3) |
| aPTT | 30–40 sec (heparin 1.5–2.5×) |
| Platelets | 150k–400k |
PT/INR = warfarin • aPTT = heparin.
Renal Function
| BUN | 10–20 mg/dL |
| Creatinine | 0.6–1.2 mg/dL |
| GFR | ≥90 mL/min |
| Urine sp. gravity | 1.005–1.030 |
↑BUN & creatinine = kidney impairment.
Glucose
| Fasting | 70–100 mg/dL |
| Random | <200 mg/dL |
| A1C | <5.7% (goal <7%) |
| Hypoglycemia | <70 mg/dL |
Rule of 15 for hypoglycemia; A1C = 3-mo avg.
Liver Function
| ALT | 7–56 U/L |
| AST | 10–40 U/L |
| Bilirubin (total) | 0.1–1.2 mg/dL |
| Albumin | 3.5–5.0 g/dL |
| Ammonia | 15–45 mcg/dL |
↑ammonia → encephalopathy (lactulose).
Cardiac & Lipids
| Troponin | <0.04 ng/mL |
| BNP | <100 pg/mL |
| CK-MB | 0–3 ng/mL |
| Cholesterol | <200 mg/dL |
| LDL / HDL | <100 / >40 |
| Triglycerides | <150 mg/dL |
Troponin = most specific for MI • BNP ↑ in HF.
Therapeutic Drug Levels
| Digoxin | 0.5–2.0 ng/mL |
| Lithium | 0.6–1.2 mEq/L |
| Phenytoin | 10–20 mcg/mL |
| Vancomycin (trough) | 10–20 mcg/mL |
Narrow index — monitor for toxicity.
High-Yield Reminders
| Mag antidote | Calcium gluconate |
| Never IV push | Potassium |
| Daily weight | 1 kg ≈ 1 L fluid |
| Digoxin hold if | Apical pulse <60 |
Critical values → notify provider promptly.
Educational quick-reference only; values/ranges vary by source. Verify against your facility and the current NCSBN test plan.
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