Nursing Lab Value Hints

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1. Analyze the Hemoglobin (hgb, hb), Hematocrit (hct) and Red Blood Cell Count (RBC’s) together. There are 3 basic reasons for anemia: (1) Blood is not being made (decreased erythropoetin secondary to chronic renal failure, poor nutrition, aplastic anemia, or bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy) (2) Blood is being lost (hemorrhage or bleeding from somewhere) or (3) Blood is being destroyed (some infections cause RBC lysis, transfusion reaction, Sickle cell crisis). Nursing Diagnoses 1. For erythrocytosis (increased RBC count): Risk for injury related to increased clotting ability of blood. 2. For elevated hematocrit: Fluid volume deficit (dehydration frequently causes increased hct) 3. For decreased hematocrit: Risk for fluid volume excess (over hydration causes decreased hct); Risk for activity intolerance related to blood loss; Alteration in nutritional requirements for iron and protein; Knowledge deficit related to safe use of iron supplements; Risk for infection related to depressed immunology defenses; Alteration in comfort related to weakness, fatigue or intolerance to cold temperatures; Risk for alteration in breathing pattern related to decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, Risk for alteration in thought processes related to potential decreased cerebral perfusion 4. Nursing diagnoses for decreased hemoglobin levels are the same as for decreased hematocrit levels. 2. Look at the platelet count. If less than 50,000 per cumm the person is at high risk for bleeding and should be placed in bleeding precautions. If higher than 400,000 per cumm, the person is at risk for spontaneously developing clots (screen for DVT). Nursing Diagnoses 1. For elevated platelets: Risk for injury related to thromboembolic episodes & Risk for injury related to increased

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