Clinical laboratory data
Numerous laboratory tests exist that helps direct health care practitioners to the particular medical issue the patient is experiencing (for example: anion gap, BUN, calcium …). These laboratory studies are indispensable. The manner in which the patient presents clinically often prompts us to first choose one study over another. For example, after taking a patient’s vital signs it is noted that the patient has an elevated temperature. An appropriate next logical step would be to want to run a test to determine WBC level. However, based only on a patient’s elevated temperature, one would not consider sending the patient to CT scan.
Choose ten (10) clinical laboratory study items from the list below.
In your own words, provide detailed responses to the following for each laboratory study:
1. What do the abnormal values represent?
2. How do they show up in the signs and symptoms of the patient? What signs or symptoms might be present if a patient is experiencing abnormal levels of the particular lab test?
3. How do they help in determining what is specifically going on with your patient?
4. What is considered the normal range for the item you picked? (use the course text for normal ranges)
5. What would be considered an appropriate indication to run that particular test?
6. Explain what might cause the lab study results to be elevated, and what might cause them to be reduced.
7. Include any specific medical terminology used for values above or below normal limits.
Laboratory Studies
♦ Albumin
♦ Blood glucose level
♦ BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen & Creatinine
♦ Calcium
♦ CaO2
♦ PaCO2
♦ Chloride
♦ Cholesterol: HDL/LDL
♦ Total CO2
♦ Coagulation studies, PT, INR, APTT, …
♦ Cytology
♦ Iron
♦ Phosphate
♦ Platelets
♦ Potassium and/or Magnesium
♦ Red blood cells, Hemoglobin
♦ Sodium
♦ Urinalysis
WBC differential
♦ Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and Basophils
OR
♦ Monocytes and Lymphocytes
♦ Hematocrit
♦ Enzyme: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
Submit your answers in at least 500 words on a Word document. You must cite at least three references in APA format to defend and support your position (if applicable).
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