Study 1 Foundations of Laboratory Interpretation and Nursing Response with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
Why should a laboratory result not be treated as a diagnosis by itself?
A laboratory result is a clue about a patient’s condition, not a diagnosis by itself. Interpret it alongside symptoms, baseline, treatment, and the urgency of change.
What makes a laboratory result critical?
It is a result the organization defines as requiring urgent communication because it may indicate a high-risk or life-threatening state.
What should a prompt nursing assessment include?
Promptly check airway, breathing, circulation, mental status, symptoms, vital signs, and relevant focused findings.
What does SBAR stand for in clinical communication?
SBAR means Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation/Request. Use it to communicate the concern, relevant context, current findings, and needed response.
What should be documented after responding to a concerning result?
Document the result and time received, assessment, people notified, instructions, actions, ordered repeat testing, and the patient’s response. Continue reassessment and hand off outstanding concerns.
Which reference interval should guide interpretation of a laboratory result?
Use the reference interval printed by the laboratory that performed the test. Ranges can vary by laboratory, method, age, and other factors.
Why compare a result with the patient’s baseline and trend?
Compare the result with the patient’s baseline and trend. A substantial change may matter even when the value remains within the reference interval.
What patient-specific factors help put a laboratory result in context?
Consider the reason for testing, history, diagnosis, symptoms, medications, recent procedures, and relevant age- or pregnancy-related factors.
What should nurses assess in addition to the laboratory value?
Assess vital signs, mental status, symptoms, physical findings, and related tests. A reassuring result does not rule out deterioration.
How should nurses respond to facility-specific critical thresholds?
Follow the facility’s current policy and the patient’s individualized plan where applicable. Critical thresholds and reporting procedures are facility-specific.
When should a laboratory finding prompt immediate bedside assessment?
A critical result, rapid worsening, or signs of instability call for prompt bedside assessment and response. Do not delay emergency care to wait for a repeat test or routine callback.
What should be checked when verifying a possibly erroneous result?
Confirm patient and specimen identifiers, collection time, units, and any laboratory comments, such as hemolysis. Contact the laboratory or request repeat testing when indicated.