Component Patient’s value Normal values Interpretation

creatinine 126 45-84 Elevated creatinine serum level

Cause: renal impairment
Nursing interventions:
• assess patient's vital signs, intake and output, weight, and skin turgor as
potential indicators of dehydration.
• increased liberal fluid intake
• regular exercise
• Avoiding caffeine and coffee is necessary to be able to reduce creatinine
levels in the body.
• Since high protein levels are one of the prime causes for increased levels
of creatinine, it is important to avoid a high protein diet, that includes
meat.

potassium 3.5mM 3.6-5.5mM Hypokalemia

Cause: use of diuretics, excessive diarrhea or vomiting, prolonged fasting and
starvation, and Alcoholism.
Nursing intervention:
1) Increase potassium in the diet. Used only in mild deficits or prevention of
deficits. (Twenty inches of bananas yields 20 mEqs of potassium.)
2) Give salt substitute that contains potassium for prevention
3) IV fluids with KCl
· Should be on a pump
· Will cause vein irritation and phlebitis
· Never given IV push
· No more than 20 mEqs/hr
4) Oral KCl
5) Monitor manifestations
6) Assess for complications
A change in diet may be recommended if the patient is likely to develop low
potassium levels. Examples of foods high in potassium include:
• bananas,
 • tomatoes,
• oranges
• cantaloupes,
• figs
• raisins
• kidney beans
• potatoes, and milk.
• peaches.
Do not overuse diuretics (water pills), and never use someone else's
medicines.

leukocytes 18.6 4-11 Leukocytosis

Cause: systemic infection
Nursing intervention:
Identify causative factors
Increase foods rich in vit. C and protein
Monitor temperature and vital signs
Encourage bed rest

RBC 2.37 M/ul 3.8-5.8 M/ul Decreased RBC

Cause: hemorrhage, Abnormal destruction of red blood cells, Lack of
substances needed for RBC production.
Nursing interventions:
• Eat a diet with adequate protein and vitamins
• Rest between activities.
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic fluids.

hemoglobin 72 mg/dL 118-165 mg/dL Anemia

Cause: hemorrhage, Abnormal destruction of red blood cells, Lack of
substances needed for RBC production.
Nursing interventions:
Monitor vital signs.
• Measure and document intake and output.
• Assess skin color and temperature; lung, heart, and bowel sounds; level of
consciousness, headache, visual disturbances, chest pain, decreased urine
output, and abdominal tenderness.
• increase foods rich in protein like meats and other green leafy vegetables.
• Inspect all body orifices, tube insertion sites, incisions, and bodily excretions
for bleeding.
• Review laboratory test results.
• Minimize physical activity to decrease injury risks and oxygen requirements.
• Prevent bleeding; apply pressure to all venipuncture sites, and avoid
nonessential invasive procedures; provide electric rather than straight-edged
razors; avoid tape on the skin and advise gentle but adequate oral hygiene.
• Assist the patient to turn, cough, and take deep breaths every 2 hours.
• Reorient the patient, if needed; maintain a safe environment; and provide
appropriate patient education and supportive measures.
hematocrit .224L .370-.470L Anemia
Cause:  Overhydration, which increases the plasma volume.
• Or a true decrease in red blood cells (more common cause)
Nursing interventions:
Monitor vital signs.
• Measure and document intake and output.
• Assess skin color and temperature; lung, heart,
and bowel sounds; level of consciousness,
headache, visual disturbances, chest pain, decreased
urine output, and abdominal tenderness.
• Assess for signs and symptoms of excess fluid.
Decrease fluid intake.
Provide foods high in iron and protein such as liver, egg yolk, lean beef and
prune juice.
Teach patient’s taking iron supplements regarding the
Lymphocyte 14 20-45 Lymphocytopenia
cause: acute infection
Nursing interventions:
• Provide reinforcement to patient when taking antiinfection drugs.
• Encourage passive or active exercise if tolerated.
•

Neutrophil Neutrophilia or neutrophil leukocytosis

Cause: bacterial infection pyogenic infections.
Nursing interventions:

sodium 138 mEq/L 135mEq/L Hypernatremia

-155mEq/L Cause: Hypovolemic hypernatremia, Euvolemic hypernatremia, Hypervolemic
hypernatremia
Nursing interventions:
• In patients with hypovolemic hypernatremia, Oral hydration is effective in
conscious patients without significant GI dysfunction.
• In severe hypernatremia or in patients unable to drink because of
continued vomiting or mental status changes, IV hydration is preferred.
• In patients with hypernatremia and euvolemia, free water can be
replaced using either 5% D/W or 0.45% saline.