Lab values

• BMP


  Basic metabolic panel, a general survey of a patient when they come into the hospital
• Electrolytes in BMP


  • Sodium (Na)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Chloride
• CO2


  Carbon dioxide, helps maintain acid-base pH balance
• Bicarb (CO3)


  Maintains pH balance, pushes the body into an alkalic state
• Kidney labs in BMP


  • BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
  • Creatinine
• Creatinine


  If high, indicates the kidneys have failed
• BUN


  If only elevated, indicates dehydration
• Glucose


  • If really high, indicates uncontrolled diabetes (hyperglycemia)
  • If low, indicates hypoglycemia which can lead to coma
• The BMP is discussed in a "metabolic panel song" parody to Gangnam Style
• Sodium (Na)


  Swells the body with fluid
• Low sodium


  Leads to low and slow signs and symptoms like mental status changes, seizures, and respiratory arrest
• High sodium


  Leads to edema, increased muscle tone, and flushed red skin
• Potassium (K)


  The #1 electrolyte to know, pumps the heart muscles
• High potassium (>5.0)


  Leads to peaked T waves, ST elevations, and wide QRS complexes
• Low potassium (<3.5)


  Leads to flat T waves, ST depression, and U waves
• Potassium wasting diuretics


  End in -ey, like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
• Potassium sparing diuretics


  End in -one or -sartan, like spironolactone
• The first nursing action for any potassium abnormality is to place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• Muscle spasms or cramps

  Indicate a potassium problem
• Treating high potassium (>5.0)

  1. IV calcium gluconate to stabilize the heart

  2. IV 50% dextrose and regular insulin to lower potassium
• Potassium should never be pushed IV, it must be given over at least 1 hour to avoid sudden death
• BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine


  Waste products that are produced by the liver and muscles, respectively. High levels of BUN and creatinine can indicate kidney problems.