Labs, Values & Diagnostics

The values worth memorizing, ABGs, electrolytes, therapeutic drug levels and the rhythms you must recognize.

Articles

NCLEX Lab Values: The Complete List With Panic RangesEvery lab value the NCLEX expects you to know — normal ranges, panic values, and the nurse-thinking behind why…8 min read

Potassium on the NCLEX: Why K+ Is the Exam's Favourite ElectrolyteHypokalemia vs hyperkalemia: causes, ECG changes, treatments in order, and the IV potassium rules that turn up…9 min read

ABG Interpretation in Four Steps (the ROME Method)Read any arterial blood gas in four steps: pH, CO2, bicarbonate, compensation. With ROME, worked examples and …8 min read

Arrhythmias on the NCLEX: Every Rhythm With Its ECG StripRead any rhythm strip in five steps, then see all fourteen — sinus, atrial, ventricular and the AV blocks — wi…14 min read

Electrolyte Imbalances: One Table for All of ThemThe big rule: correct sodium SLOWLY. Correcting it too fast causes brain damage. This is heavily tested.…4 min read

Reading a Complete Blood CountUseful shortcut: hematocrit is roughly three times the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin of 12 → hematocrit around 36. If…4 min read

Therapeutic Drug Levels: The Four You Must KnowSome drugs have a narrow safety range. A little too much becomes toxic. These drugs need blood level monitorin…4 min read

Nursing Care Before and After Common ProceduresProcedure questions follow a pattern. Once you see the pattern, you can answer questions about procedures you …4 min read

IV Fluids and Tonicity: Follow the WaterStop memorising solutions and ask one question: where will the water move? Isotonic expands the circulation, h…5 min read