EP 201: Lab Values to Know as a Nurse

EP 201: Lab Values to Know as a Nurse

Lab Values to Know as a Nurse

What are the lab values to know as a nurse? Lab values and what they show could mean so many things. They are used to determine the patient’s overall well-being and health and on nurses to base their care plan.

Different factors affect the patient’s lab values result, but the most common factors affecting it are the patient’s age, race, gender, medical history, and presence of any underlying conditions. Knowing and understanding lab values is essential in your nursing career.

There are different lab values to know as a nurse. In this episode, we will talk about all the different labs we look at in the hospital. We will go over their normal values, what they signify, and what can happen if they are out of their normal range.

This will be a good refresher episode for everyone who deals with labs and a great one for any nursing students because these are the labs you’ll need to know to pass some of your classes and the NCLEX.

Electrolytes

Potassium K+

  • Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. 
  • Normal level: 3.5-5 mEq/L
    • Hyperkalemia signs: heart arrhythmias, numbness, and tingling, breathing problems
    • Hypokalemia signs: muscle weakness, fatigue, heart arrhythmias
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Acute renal failure, Crushed/burn injury, acidosis 
    • Decreased level: vomiting/diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, gastric suction, Diuretics 

Sodium Na+ 

  • Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body’s fluid balance.
  • Normal level: 135-145 mEq/L
    • Hypernatremia signs: lethargy, myoclonic jerks, confusion, nystagmus, tachycardia
    • Hyponatremia  signs: nausea and vomiting, lethargy, seizure, neurological deficits
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Dehydration, severe vomiting, diarrhea, Heart failure, hepatic failure, Cushing’s disease 
    • Decreased level: vomiting, diarrhea, gastric solution, D5W, SIADH,

Calcium Ca+ 

  • It is a mineral that is necessary for life. In addition to building bones and keeping them healthy, calcium enables our blood to clot, our muscles to contract, and our heart to beat. About 99% of the calcium in our bodies is in our bones and teeth.
  • Normal level: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
    • Hypercalcemia signs: bone pain, muscle weakness, excessive thirst, lethargy, nausea
    • Hypocalcemia signs: numbness and tingling in digits, muscle cramps, wheezing, fatigue
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Hyperparathyroidism, malignant neoplasm of bone, lung, breast, kidney, multiple myeloma, and prolonged immobilization. 
    • Decreased level: Diarrhea, malabsorption of calcium, Hypoparathyroidism

Chloride CI- 

  • Chloride is one of the essential electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids.
  • Normal level: 95-105 mEq/L
    • Hyperchloremia signs: diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, dry mucous membrane
    • Hypochloremia signs: diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, dehydration
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Dehydration, hypernatremia, head injury, metabolic acidosis.  
    • Decreased level: Vomiting, gastric suction, diarrhea, hypokalemia. 

Magnesium Mg+

  • It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps adjust blood glucose levels. It aids in the production of energy and protein.
  • Normal level: 1.5-2 mEq/L
    • Hypermagnesemia: diminished deep tendon reflexes, flushing, headache, nausea, drowsiness.
    • Hypomagnesemia: muscle weakness, twitches, or tremors; irritability, insomnia, drowsiness
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Severe dehydration, renal failure, leukemia
    • Decreased level: Protein malnutrition, malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, hypokalemia

Phosphorus 

  • It is a mineral that makes up 1% of a person’s total body weight. It is the second most abundant mineral in the body. It is present in every cell of the body. Most of the phosphorus in the body is found in the bones and teeth.
  • Normal level: 2.5-4.5 mg/dl
    • Hyperphosphatemia signs: osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease
    • Hypophosphatemia signs: changes in mental state, bone pain/fragility, fatigue, weight loss, weakness
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Renal failure, hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism 
    • Decreased level: starvation, hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, chronic alcoholism

Ammonia

  • Ammonia is a waste product made by your body during protein digestion.
  • Normal level: 15-50 μmol/L
    • Hyperammonemia signs: Lethargy (ETOH Pt), rapid or heavy breathing, Altered mental status 
  • Clinical problems
    • Increased level: Hepatic failure, High protein diet with liver failure, acidosis. 

Uric acid 

  • It is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines.
  • Purines are usually produced in the body and are also found in some foods and drinks.
  • Normal level 0.18-0.48 mmol/L
    • High signs: Joint pain, joint stiffness, redness, and swelling. 
  • Clinical problems
    • Increased level: Gout, alcoholism, severe eclampsia, renal failure

Creatinine

  • Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. It is removed from the body by the kidneys.
  • Normal level 0.8-1.3 mg/dL
    • High signs: Nausea, muscle cramps, vomiting, fatigue, HTN
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Hypothyroidism, CKD, intense exercise, dehydration 
    • Decreased level: Renal impairment, hyperthyroidism, ALS

BUN 

  • BUN is the end product of protein metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys
  • Normal level 8-21 mg/dL
    • High signs: Frequent urination, itching, muscle cramps, fatigue. 
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Dehydration, GI bleeding, prerenal failure, Acute MI, sepsis, shock
    • Decreased level:  Severe liver damage, overhydration, malnutrition

Specific Gravity

  • A urine-specific gravity test compares the density of urine to the density of water. This quick test can help determine how well your kidneys dilute your urine.
  • Normal level 1.010-1.030 
    • High signs: Dehydration, Diabetes, Proteinuria, SIADH
    • Low signs: Polydipsia, Diabetes Insipidus, Diuretics, early stages of CKD

LDH 

  • Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) is an intracellular enzyme in nearly all metabolizing cells, with the highest concentration in the heart, skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, brain, and RBCs.
  • Normal level 50-150 U/L
    • Increased level: Acute MI, P.E, Sepsis, shock, CVA, sickle cell.

Hematology

RBC 

  • The reticulocyte count is an indicator of bone marrow activity
  • Normal level 4.5-5.0 million
    • Increased level: sickle cell, hemolytic anemia, leukemias 
    • Decreased level: Anemia, radiation therapy, post hemorrhage, cirrhosis of the liver (alcohol suppresses reticulocytes)

WBC 

  • White blood count, part of a complete blood count, is composed of 5 types of WBCs 
  • Normal level 5,000-10,000
    • Increased level: Acute infection, Inflammatory diseases (RA, gout), Tissue damage (acute MI, burns)
    • Decreased level: leukemias, immunosuppressive agents

Plt 

    • Platelets (thrombocytes) are essential elements in the blood that promote coagulation.
  • Normal level 200,000-400,000
    • Increased level: Polycythemia vera, trauma, acute blood loss, Metastatic carcinoma
    • Decreased level: Multiple myeloma, Anemias, Leukemias, liver disease, lupus, DIC, Cirrhosis 

Hgb 

  • Hemoglobin responsible for the transportation of oxygen
  • Normal level 
    • male 13-17 g/dL
    • female 12-15 g/dL
  • Increased level: Dehydration, polycythemia, COPD, HF, severe burns
  • Decreased level: Anemias, Hemorrhage, cirrhosis of the liver, Leukemias, Hodgkin’s disease, kidney disease

Hematocrit 

  • The hematocrit is a ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of all these components, called whole blood. The value is expressed as a percentage or fraction.
  • Normal level Male 40%-52% Female 36%-47%
    • Increased level: Dehydration/hypovolemia, severe diarrhea, diabetic acidosis, burns.
    • Decreased level: Acute blood loss, anemias, RA, lupus, CKD, cirrhosis

PTT 

  • Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is a blood test that looks at how long it takes for blood to clot. It can help tell if you have a bleeding problem or if your blood doesn’t clot properly.
  • Normal level 25-35 sec.  If on Heparin 1.5-2.5x normal
    • Increased level: Hemophilia, cirrhosis, vitamin k deficiency, Von Willebrand disease, DIC. 

PT 

  • Prothrombin Time. It is synthesized by the liver and is an inactive precursor in the clotting process.  
  • Normal level 11- 14 sec
    • Increased level: Liver disease, Clotting factor issues (Factor 2 deficiency), Heart failure, leukemias
    • Decreased level: Thrombophlebitis, MI, P.E 

INR 

  • The international normalized ratio (INR) is a laboratory measurement of how long it takes blood to form a clot. It is made to monitor patients receiving warfarin. 
  • Normal level 0.9-1.2 If on Coumadin 1.5 – 3

Reticulocytes

  • Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (RBCs).
  • Normal range  0.5-1.5%

Neutrophils 

  • Are the most numerous circulating WBCs, respond mainly to inflammation & tissue injury.
  • Normal range 2-8 x 10^9/L

Bands 

  • Basophils increase during the healing process
  • Basophils are white blood cells that defend your body from allergens. Basophils release histamine
  • Normal Range < 1 x 10^9/L

Lymphocytes 

  • Increased during chronic and viral infections
  • Normal range 1-4 x 10^9/L

Monocytes 

  • The second line of defense. More extensive and more substantial than neutrophils can ingest large particles and debris.
  • Normal range 0.2-0.8 x 10^9/L

Eosinophils 

  • Increase during allergic and parasitic conditions 
  • Normal level < 0.5 x 10^9/L

HBA1C 

  • The hemoglobin A1c test tells you your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. It’s also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin.
  • Normal level <6.5%

Glucose 

  • Simple sugar is used as an energy source and is stored as glycogen in the liver and skeletal muscles.
  • Normal level 70-110 mg/dL
    • Increased level: DM, Diabetic acidosis, adrenal gland hyperfunction (Cushing’s) 
    • Decreased level: Hypoglycemia, malnutrition

Gastrointestinal

Bilirubin

  • Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin by the reticuloendothelial system and is carried in the plasma to the liver. Bilirubin (unconjugated or indirect) is bound to serum albumin and transferred to the liver, which is conjugated to glucuronate by glucoronyl transferase. Conjugated (direct) bilirubin is excreted into the bile.
  • Normal level 
    • Direct Bilirubin 0-6 µmol/L 
    • Total Bilirubin 2-20 µmol/L
  • Increased level: Obstructive jaundice caused by stones, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer
  • Decreased level: Iron-deficiency anemia. 

Albumin 

  • Albumin is a protein made by your liver. Albumin helps keep fluid in your bloodstream so it doesn’t leak into other tissues. It also carries various substances throughout your body, including hormones, vitamins, and enzymes.
  • Normal level 35-50 g/L
    • Increased level: Dehydration, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea 
    • Decreased level: Cirrhosis of the liver, acute liver failure, severe burns, severe malnutrition, preeclampsia, renal disorders, prolonged immobilization. 

ALT/AST

  • ALT/AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver cells and is effective in diagnosing hepatocellular destruction.
  • Normal level 5-30 U/L
  • Increased level: Acute (viral) hepatitis and liver necrosis (Drug or chemical toxicity).

Amylase 

  • Amylase is an enzyme derived from the pancreas, the salivary glands, and the liver. Its function is to change starch to sugar. 
  • Normal level: 30-125 U/L
  • Increased level: Acute pancreatitis, obstruction of the pancreatic duct, acute cholecystitis, diabetic acidosis, diabetes mellitus, renal failure. 

Lipase 

  • Lipase, an enzyme secreted by the pancreas, aids in digesting fats. Appears in the bloodstream following damage to the pancreas. 
  • Normal level: 10-150 U/L
  • Increased level: Acute and chronic pancreatitis, cancer of the pancreas, and obstructions. 

Hormones

Hydroxyprogesterone 

  • IHydroxyprogesterone is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, two glands on top of the kidneys. A 17-OHP test is used for Hydroxyprogesterone levels to help diagnose a rare genetic disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
  • Normal level: 0.2-1 mg/L

Adrenocorticotropic ACTH 

  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is made in the pituitary gland. It is needed for your adrenal glands to work properly and help your body react to stress. ACTH stimulates the release of another hormone called cortisol from the adrenal gland’s cortex (outer part).
  • Normal level: 4.5-20 pmol/
  • Increased level: Addison’s disease, Stress, pituitary neoplasm, pregnancy. 
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, a pair of walnut-sized organs above the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce essential hormones, including Cortisol, which regulates the body’s response to illness or stress.

TSH 

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T3), and triiodothyronine (T4)  which stimulates the metabolism of almost every tissue in the body.
  • Normal level: 0.5-5 mIU/L
  • Increased level: Hypothyroidism, acute thyroiditis, viral hepatitis, myasthenia gravis, preeclampsia
  • Decreased level: Hyperthyroidism

Thyroxine

  • Serum T4 levels are commonly used to measure thyroid hormone concentration and the function of the thyroid gland. 
  • So, if your T3 and T4 levels are too low, the pituitary gland will release more TSH. If they’re too high, the gland will release less TSH — but this give-and-take system only works if everything functions properly.
  • Normal level:
    • Free T3 0.2-0.5 ng/dL
    • Free T4 10-20 pmol/L
    • Total T4 4.9-11.7 mg/dL
    • Total T3 0.7-1.5 ng/dL
  • Increased level: Hyperthyroidism, acute thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, preeclampsia
  • Decreased level: Hypothyroidism, Protein malnutrition.

Follicle-stimulating hormone 

  • FSH, a gonadotropic hormone produced and controlled by the pituitary gland, stimulates the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicle to produce estrogen in females and promote spermatogenesis in males. 
  • Normal level:
    • (FSH) 1-10 IU/L (M/F) 
    • 5-25 IU/L (ovulation) 
    • 30-110 IU/L (postmenopause)
  • Increased level: Gonadal failure such as menopause, Pituitary tumor, Turner’s syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome 
  • Decreased level: Neoplasms of the ovaries, testes, adrenal: polycystic ovarian disease, hypopituitarism; anorexia nervosa. 

Growth Hormone 

  • Human growth hormone (hGH), a hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, regulates the growth of bone and tissue. 
  • Normal level: (fasting) 0-5 ng/m
  • Increased level: Gigantism (children), Acromegaly (adults), major surgery. 
  • Decreased level: dwarfism in children, hypopituitarism

Progesterone 

  • It is secreted by the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland that the female body produces after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
  • Normal level 70-280 ng/dL
  • Increased level: Ovulation, pregnancy, ovarian cysts, tumors of the ovary or adrenal gland. 
  • Decreased level: Gonadal dysfunction, luteum deficiency, threatened abortion, placental failure.

Prolactin 

  • It is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, which sits at the bottom of the brain. Prolactin causes breasts to grow and develop and causes milk to be made after a baby is born. 
  • Normal level: < 14 ng/mL
  • Increased level: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, pituitary tumor, amenorrhea, hypothalamic disorder, endometriosis, chronic renal failure, Addison’s disease.
  • Decreased level: Postpartum pituitary infarction

Testosterone (male):  

  • Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In male humans, testosterone plays a crucial role in developing male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate and promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass and body hair growth.
  • Normal level: 10-25 nmol/L
  • Increased level: Adrenal hyperplasia or tumor, polycystic ovaries in females
  • Decreased level: Testicular hypofunction, Klinefelter’s syndrome (primary hypogonadism), Alcoholism, hypopituitarism

Lipids

LDL 

  • LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.
  • Normal level: 85-125 mg/dL
  • Saturated fat and cholesterol in your food make your blood cholesterol level rise.

HDL 

  • HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body.
  • Normal level: 40-80 mg/dL

Triglycerides 

  • Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells.
  • Normal level: 50-150 mg/dL
  • Increased level: Hyperlipoproteinemia, acute MI, Hypertension, cerebral thrombosis, hypothyroidism
  • Decreased level; Hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and protein malnutrition.

Total chol 

  • A measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. It includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
  • Normal level: 3-5.5 mmol/L

Cardiac Markers

Creatine kinase

  • Creatine kinase is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Increased amounts of CK are released into the blood when there is muscle damage. 
  • Normal level:  25-200 U/L
  • Increased level: exercise and inflammation of muscles, called myositis, and myopathies such as muscular dystrophy. Rhabdomyolysis.

Troponin 

  • Troponins are a group of proteins found in skeletal and heart (cardiac) muscle fibers that regulate muscular contraction—used for cardiac disease diagnosis of acute MI.
  • Normal level: 0-0.4 ng/mL
  • Increased level: MI, myocardial damage

C-reactive protein 

  • It is produced in the liver in response to tissue injury and inflammation. 
  • Normal level < 5 mg/L
  • Increased level: Chronic infections, cardiovascular and peripheral disease, acute MI, Stroke, inflammatory bowel disease, RA, Lupus, bacterial meningitis.

D-dimer 

  • D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product, a small protein fragment in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis.
  • Normal level: < 500 ng/mL
  • Increased level: DIC, P.E, Thrombosis, COVID 

BNP

  • Brain Natriuretic peptide is a neurohormone secretion primarily in the cardiac ventricles and will increase in response to volume expansion and pressure overload.
  • Normal level:  < 100 pg/ml
  • Increased level: Heart failure, Left ventricular hypertrophy, myocarditis, AMI, Renal failure, prolonged systemic hypertension.

Tumor Markers 

Alpha-fetoprotein 

  • Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a screening test, is usually done between 16 and 20 weeks gestation to determine the probability of twins or to detect low birth weight or severe birth defects, such as neural-tube defects. 
  • Normal level: 0-44 ng/mL
  • Increased level: Cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, Spina bifida, Fetal death, fetal distress, Turner’s syndrome
  • Decreased level: Down’s syndrome, absence of pregnancy

HCG 

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by cells that surround a growing embryo, which eventually forms the placenta after implantation. The presence of hCG is detected in some pregnancy tests. Appears in the blood and urine 14-26 days after conception.
  • Normal level: <5 IU/I
  • Increased level: Pregnancy, Chorionepithelioma of pregnancy is a malignant tumor originating in connection with pregnancy. 
  • Decreased level: Nonpregnant, dead fetus, postpartum (3-4 days)

CA 19-9

  • Cancer Tumor Markers (CA 19-9) is a cancer antigen in diagnosing pancreatic, hepatobiliary, gastric, and colorectal cancer. 
  • Normal level: <40 U/mL
  • Decreased levels = Effective response to treatment, benign disease
    • There are also different tumor markers. You won’t need to know all of these, but we thought we should include them. 
    • CA 15-3: Metastatic breast cancer, ovarian, lung, pancreas, cirrhosis, colon cancer.
    • CA-27.29: Recurrence of breast cancer
    • CA 50: Gastrointestinal tumor, biliary tract tumors
    • CA 125: Ovarian breast cancer, uterine tumors, pancreas, breast, colon, lung, cirrhosis, pancreatitis.  

CEA 

  • Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been found in the gi epithelium of embryos and has been extracted from tumors in the adult gastrointestinal tract. 
  • Normal level: <4 ug/L
  • Increased level: GI tract (esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, rectum cancer), leukemia, Ulcerative colitis. 

PAP 

  • Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) originates in the prostate and usually is present in small amounts in the blood. 
  • Normal level: 0-3 U/dL
  • Increased level: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

 

PSA 

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is always present in low concentrations in the blood of adult males.
  • Normal level: <4 ug/L
  • Increased level: Prostate cancer

Vitamins 

Folate 

  • Folate is one of the B vitamins needed to make red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, convert carbohydrates into energy, and produce DNA and RNA.
  • Normal level: 7-36 nmol/L
  • Increased level: Pernicious anemia (is a deficiency in red blood cells caused by lack of vitamin B12)
  • Decreased level: Folic acid anemia, vitamin b6 deficiency anemia, malnutrition, malabsorption syndrome (small intestine), pregnancy, liver disease.

Vitamin A 

  • It is a Fat-soluble vitamin absorbed from the intestine in the presence of lipase and bile. Vitamin A moves to the liver and is then stored in the body as retinol.
  • Vitamin A is vital for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development.
  • Normal level: 30-65 µg/dL
  • Increased level: Hypervitaminosis, Chronic kidney disease
  • Decreased level: Night blindness, liver, intestinal, or pancreatic disease, chronic infections, cystic fibrosis, protein malnutrition, malabsorption, celiac disease

Vitamin B6

  • Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs for several functions. It’s significant to protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.
  • Normal level: 5-30 ng/mL
  • Decreased level: Malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, gestational diabetes, pregnancy, lactation, small bowel inflammatory disease, renal failure.

Vitamin B12 

  • Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia.
  • Normal level: 130-700 ng/L
  • Decreased level: Pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndrome, liver diseases, hypothyroidism (myxedema), pancreatic insufficiency, Crohn’s disease.
  • Increased level: Acute hepatitis, leukemia.

Vitamin C 

  • Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin important for forming collagen and certain amino acids for wound healing and withstanding stress, injury, and infection. 
  • Normal level: 0.4-1.5 mg/dL
  • Decreased levels: Scurvy, malabsorption, pregnancy, cancer, and severe burns. 

Vitamin D

  • Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin occurring from exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight and is absorbed in the presence of bile and stored in the liver. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. 
  • Normal level:  5-75 ng/mL
  • Decreased level: Malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, rickets, osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease

Miscellaneous

Rheumatoid Factor

  • RF factor is a screening test used to detect antibodies (Igm, IgG, or Ig)
  • Normal level:  <25 IU/ml
  • Increased level: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, tuberculosis, leukemia

ESR 

  • An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a type of blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle in unclotted blood in millimeters per hour. 
  • It can show if you have inflammation in your body.
  • Normal level: >2 mm/h
  • Increased level: RA, rheumatic fever, AMI, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, bacterial endocarditis, gout, hepatitis
  • Decreased level: Polycythemia vera, heart failure, sickle-cell anemias, factor V deficiency

ACE 

  • The ACE test measures the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood.
  • Normal level: 20-50 µmol/L
  • Increased level: Sarcoidosis, Diabetes Mellitus, hypothyroidism, Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Decreased level: Therapy for sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism

Lead

  • Found in lead-based paint, unglazed pottery, batteries, leaded gasoline
  • Normal level: < 25 IU/ml 
  • Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system.

Refresh your memory and relearn the lab values by watching the full episode here 👇👇👇

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
01:21 About the episode
02:35 Electrolytes Potassium K+
Sodium Na+
Calcium Ca+
Chloride CI-
Magnesium Mg+
Phosphorus
Ammonia Uric acid
Creatinine
BUN
Specific Gravity
Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH)
17:02 Hematology
RBC
WBC
Platelets (thrombocytes)
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
Hematocrit
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
Prothrombin Time (PT)
International Normalised Ratio (INR)
Reticulocytes
Neutrophils Bands
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
HBA1C
Glucose
27:25 Gastrointestinal
Bilirubin
Albumin
ALT/AST
Amylase Lipase
30:40 Hormones
Hydroxyprogesterone
Adrenocorticotropic ACTH
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroxine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
Progesterone
Prolactin
Testosterone
36:57 Lipids Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
Triglycerides Total Cholesterol
39:11 Cardiac Markers
Creatine kinase
Troponin
C-Reactive Protein
D-Dimer
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
41:56 Tumor Markers
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
CA 19-9 Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP)
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
44:15 Vitamins
Folate
Vitamin A
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
48:12 Miscellaneous
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
Lead

EP 199: The Renal System and RAAS

EP 199: The Renal System and RAAS

The Renal System

The renal system produces, stores, and eliminates urine. Kidneys make urine by filtering wastes and extra water from the blood. Urine travels from the kidneys through two thin tubes called ureters and fills the bladder.

When the bladder is full of urine, a person urinates through the urethra to eliminate the waste.

Functions of the Kidneys

The kidneys are located on either side of the spine at the lowest level of the rib cage, consisting of the functional unit called a nephron. 

There are about one million nephrons in each kidney; these nephrons consist of tiny blood vessels called glomerulus attached to a tubule. 

When blood enters the glomerulus, it is filtered, and the remaining fluid passes to the tubule. In the tubule, minerals, elements, chemicals, and water are absorbed or filtered according to the body’s needs to create the final product, urine.

Our kidneys maintain a delicate balance of water and electrolytes in the body and remove excessive waste:

  • Remove wastes, urea, and ammonia, from the blood.
  • Maintain fluid status balance in the body by holding or retaining water and releasing and removing water from the bloodstream
  • It maintains the electrolyte balance of the blood.
  • Maintain acid-base/pH balance of the blood
  • Assist with endocrine functions such as the production of erythropoietin and calcitriol.
    • It is needed to produce red blood cells and calcium reabsorption, respectively.
  • Produce the enzyme renin
    • Help regulate blood pressure.
  • Convert vitamin D into its active form

Fun Fact: 

  • Every 24 hours, your kidney filters 200 quarts of fluid. About two quarts are removed from the body, and 198 quarts are returned to the bloodstream. 
  • The right kidney sits lower than the left kidney. 
    • It helps accommodate the large size of the liver, right above the right kidney.
  • We call it REabsorption rather the just absorption because the substances filtered from the glomerulus were already absorbed through the GI tract and taken into the bloodstream.
  • Then the substances travel through the body via the heart and are sent to the kidneys through the renal artery to be filtered out. Therefore, our body reabsorbs these nutrients based on their needs, and the leftovers are excreted in the urine.

Anatomy of the Kidney

As a nurse and a nursing student, you’ll need to know these most critical parts of the kidney to understand how the renal system works.

Renal Capsule 

  • The outer layer of the kidney protects the kidney from outside organ infections. 

Renal cortex: 

  • A layer outside contains the renal corpuscles, which house the glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule, whose primary functions are to FILTER the urine and renal tubules. 

Renal medulla: 

  • The inside layer is located within the renal pyramids. It is hypertonic and very salty. Along with the nephron, these conditions help maintain water and salt balance in our body, specifically the Loop of Henle.

Renal artery:  

  • The renal artery takes oxygenated blood from the heart and moves it to the kidney to be filtered. It branches off around the renal columns into the renal cortex, into arterioles, and finally to the peritubular capillaries.

Renal vein:

  • The renal veins take filtered blood to heart for re-oxygenation and are pumped throughout the body. It comes from the efferent arterioles.

Renal pyramids: 

  • Lie Within the renal medulla contains the loop of Henle and parts of the collecting tubule.

Renal papilla, minor and significant calyx:

  • Pointed projections of the renal pyramid play a role in draining urine along with the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Nephrons: 

  • The functional part of the kidneys. 
  • Filters the blood via the renal corpuscle
  • Reabsorbs minerals/water and secretes waste via the renal tubule
  • Produces urine which drains down into the ureters, is stored in the bladder, and voided out via the urethra.
  • Each nephron is composed of 
    • Renal corpuscle (glomerulus within Bowman’s capsule)
    • Proximal tubule
    • An intermediate tubule (loop of Henle)
    • A distal convoluted tubule, a connecting tubule, and cortical, outer medullary, and inner medullary collecting ducts.

Glomerulus:

  • Lies within the nephron
  • Circular capillaries that have incredibly high pressure helps perform ULTRAFILTRATION.

Bowman’s capsule

  • Forms a cup-like sack around the glomerulus
  • It helps the glomerulus filter blood 

The Nephron and blood supply

Blood enters the afferent arteriole and sends blood to the first part of the nephron, called the glomerulus.

In the glomerulus, blood will be filtered, and filtrate will be created, a liquid consisting of the collection of fluid and particles from the blood.

The filtrate will “drip” down into a capsule surrounding the glomerulus called Bowman’s capsule.

  • Bowman’s capsule collects the filtrate.
    • Water, NA, CL, CA, K, Mg, Phos, Bicarb, amino acids, glucose, creatinine, and urea.

Then the filtered blood exits via the efferent arterioles to the peritubular capillaries surrounding the nephrons. 

Peritubular capillaries carry the reabsorbed nutrients from the filtrate back into the body’s system to the renal vein. They secrete urea, ions, and drugs in the blood into the tubules.

The created filtrate then flows through the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT); here, the tubule reabsorbs most of the parts of the filtrate that we need to function that just came from the Bowman’s capsule.

Then the filtrate enters the Loop of Henle; we are now in the renal medulla. The loop of Henle has a descending limb and ascending limb. Its goal is to concentrate the urine via the renal medulla.

The renal medulla’s interstitial fluid is hypertonic, helping reabsorb water from the filtrate to maintain the body’s water and salt balance.

  • Descending limb is only permeable to water.
  • Ascending limb is only permeable to ions.

The filtrate then enters the distal convoluted tubule, where more substances are reabsorbed and secreted. 

Then it travels to the collecting tubule, where parts of the filtrate are reabsorbed.

Finally, the filtrate leaves the collecting tubule as urine which flow through the renal papilla, minor/major calyx, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Kidney and Blood Pressure Management 

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is the system of hormones, proteins, enzymes, and reactions that regulate your blood pressure and blood volume long-term.

It regulates your blood pressure by increasing sodium (salt) reabsorption, water reabsorption (retention), and vascular tone (the degree to which your blood vessels constrict or narrow). The RAAS consists of three major substances including:

  • Renin (an enzyme).
  • Angiotensin II (a hormone).
  • Aldosterone (a hormone).

RAAS System

  • Increases blood pressure when it drops too low by activating Angiotensin II
    • Angiotensin II increases vasoconstriction, causing an increase in blood pressure. Conserves sodium and water to increase volume. Aldosterone and ADH are released. 
  • RAAS steps
  1. Blood pressure drops too low. 
  2. The sympathetic nervous system sends nerve impulses to Juxtaglomerular Cells in the kidneys to release RENIN.
  3. RENIN present in the blood will activate ANGIOTENSINOGEN in the liver.
  4. ANGIOTENSINOGEN then turns into ANGIOTENSIN I causing a release of ACE
  5. ACE is Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. ACE converts Angiotensin I into ANGIOTENSIN II
  6. ANGIOTENSIN II activation will cause
  7. Vasoconstriction
    • Increases systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and blood pressure.
  1. Increase Blood Volume
      • Kidneys will keep water and sodium.
      • The adrenal cortex gland will be triggered by angiotensin II to release aldosterone. Aldosterone will also cause the kidneys to keep sodium and water and excrete potassium.
    • Angiotensin II triggers the pituitary gland to release ADH. It causes the kidneys to keep water.

2. Increased blood pressure

To learn more about the renal system, click here for the full episode 👇👇👇

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
02:10 The functional parts of the kidney
03:18 What does a kidney do
04:40 Kidney fun facts
05:40 Anatomy of the kidney
10:00 The nephron and blood supply
15:48 Kidney and blood pressure management
17:39 How the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) works
21:50 Further views on the episode
24:02 Wrapping up the show

 

 

EP 197: How to Optimize Brain Function and Promote Neuroplasticity with Nicole Vignola

EP 197: How to Optimize Brain Function and Promote Neuroplasticity with Nicole Vignola

How to Optimize Brain Function and Promote Neuroplasticity with Nicole Vignola

The ability of the brain to adapt and change due to experience is called neuroplasticity. This umbrella term refers to the brain’s ability to change, grow neural networks, and reorganize.

It can involve functional changes due to structural changes while you’re learning or can be altered due to brain damage. How does neuroplasticity affect us in the long run? And how can we develop it to help optimize our brain function better?

Our Guest 

In this episode, we would like to introduce you to Nicole Vignola. Nicole is a neuroscientist that focuses on cognitive neuroscience that investigates high-risk decision-making.

Her previous research drew upon adult synaptic plasticity, whereby she reconstructed a section of the adult mouse somatosensory cortex using computer-based analytics to explore the wiring diagram of the human brain.

This served as a springboard for further interest and research into the plasticity of mindset change and how these principles can be adopted into everyday living.

Nicole is also a business owner and entrepreneur who coaches individuals and consults with organizations on brain health, longevity, mindset change, and optimization using science-based evidence.

Questions for our Guest

The questions below are some we’d like to tackle. We often go off-topic, so we don’t expect to hit them all. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Looking forward to our conversation!

These are the questions you had in Calendly. We’ll go off your questions and wherever else our conversation goes.

  1. Can you give us a little background about yourself?
  2. What are your previous research experiences?
  3. What is optimal brain health everyone should be aware of?
    • How do you optimize your brain for maximal performance? 
  4. Talk to us about the neuroplasticity of mindset change. How can you adopt the principles into everyday life?
  5. What are science-based methods for mental resilience and managing burnout? 
  6. What happens in the default mode network? 
  7. Knowing everything about brain and mental health, what does your day-to-day routines? 

ENDING QUESTIONS

Before we end the show, we have one last question we like to ask all our guests.

If you had the opportunity to have a Cup of coffee with anybody one last time, who would it be & why? 

Links: 

Connect with Nicole on Instagram and learn more about how our brain works at @nicoleneuroscience

Or visit her website at https://www.nicolesneuroscience.com/

Here’s how you can benefit from changing your mindset, watch this full episode 👇👇👇

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
02:11 About Nicole Vignola
03:35 How to enhance judgment under pressure
10:21 Does the brain react differently to physical stress compared to emotional stress?
12:40 The positive effects of sleep
14:04 The optimal sleep cycle for enhancing mental health
20:31 Actions you can take to sharpen your brainpower
25:10 Do cold baths and marijuana aid in sleep?
28:08 Tips on improving cognitive function
29:03 Does alcohol aid in sleep?
30:00 How neuroplasticity works
34:55 How long does it take for someone to form a habit?
36:53 Neuroplasticity versus addiction
40:18 Tips for developing mental strength
44:06 Amazing cognitive benefits of exercising
50:51 Where does consciousness comes from
52:11 Wrapping up the show

EP 192: How Cirrhosis Impacts the Liver

EP 192: How Cirrhosis Impacts the Liver

How Cirrhosis Impacts The Liver

How cirrhosis affects the liver is one of the many interesting medical cases you’ll encounter as a nurse. But what is it? Cirrhosis is a liver disease where liver cells become extremely damaged.

This leads to the damaged cells being replaced with fibrous tissue or scarring of the liver. It also alters the liver’s structure and normal vasculature impairs blood and lymph flow and causes hepatic insufficiency.

Causes

Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Too much alcohol intake is the most common cause of cirrhosis

Injury

  • Problems with the bile duct: bile stays in the liver and damages cells.
    • Bile duct: carries bile from the liver to the small intestine

Hepatitis

  • Different types of hepatitis can cause postnecrotic cirrhosis.

Other diseases

  • Viral Infection, autoimmune 
  • Too much fat collecting in the liver (nonalcoholic)
  • Obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetics

Right-sided heart failure

  • Hepatic congestion secondary to right-sided heart disease

How the liver works:

  1. The liver takes substances in our blood and metabolizes and detoxifies them. 
  2. Stores and produces substances help digestion, clotting, and immune health. 
  3. When it stops working, every system in our body struggles.

Types of Liver Cells and How They Work

Two main types of cells perform the tasks listed above.

  • Kupffer cells
    • Remove bacteria, debris, parasites, and old RBCs 
  • Hepatocytes
    • Bile production, metabolism, storage, conjugating bilirubin, and detoxification.

Functions of the Liver

Metabolization

Glucose: 

  • The excessive amounts will be synthesized and stored as glycogen 
  • The liver can’t synthesize glycogen properly and store it, so more stays in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia
  • Converts glycogen into glucose when blood glucose levels are low to increase sugar levels 
  • If the patient is sick or not eating, the liver is unable to convert the glycogen to glucose so the patient can have episodes of hypoglycemia

Lipids and Proteins: 

  • The liver converts ammonia, which is a byproduct of protein breakdown, into urea which is then excreted via the urine.
  • Urea is much less toxic to the brain than ammonia. 
  • Ammonia = neuro changes + hepatic encephalopathy 

Storage

  • Stores vitamins (vitamins B12, A, E, D, and K), minerals, and iron and glycogen. 
  • Remember, bile is essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. 
  • In cirrhosis, bile production is impaired, which will lead to decreased absorption and storage of those fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K)

Digestion

How cirrhosis affects the body? When epatocytes produce bile to help with the absorption of fats and those fat-soluble vitamins. 

Bile is stored in the gallbladder:

  • In the bile and stool is a substance called bilirubin. 
      • Bilirubin: RBCs are removed by the Kupffer cells, and components of the RBCs are recycled. The Kupffer cells break down the hemoglobin into heme and globin groups.
      • Then hepatocytes metabolize heme into iron and bilirubin. The bilirubin is put into the bile and leaves via the stool (which is why stool is brown because bilirubin is a yellow-brown substance).
  • In cirrhosis, the hepatocytes are damaged and CAN’T do this, so the hepatocytes leak bilirubin in the blood (rather than it entering the bile to leave the body in stool), and the levels increase in the blood and are present in the urine.
    • This is why the patient will be jaundiced and have yellowing of the skin, sclera, mucous membranes, dark urine, along with clay-colored stool.

Production of blood plasma proteins: 

  • Albumin 
    • Maintains oncotic pressure and water regulation within the interstitial tissue,
  • Fibrinogen and prothrombin 
    • Aids in clotting.
Coagulation factors
  • Bleeding within the body activates a complex system of plasma proteins called coagulation factors, which promote blood clot formation. The liver is responsible for producing most of these coagulation factors.
  • Fibrinogen, thrombin = factor II, and factors V, VII, IX X, and XI
  • Protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III

Detoxification

  • Decreases the efficacy of drugs. 
    • In cirrhosis, the patient is very sensitive to drugs because the liver can’t protect them from their harmful effects. It also removes toxins from the body (alcohol) and hormones our glands produce. 
      • Ex: estrogen is metabolized in the liver. However, in cirrhosis, it is unable to metabolize estrogen, which leaves more of the hormone in the body. This can lead to enlarged breast tissue in men (gynecomastia).

Complications of Cirrhosis:

Portal Hypertension

  • The portal vein becomes narrowed due to scar tissue in the liver. This restricts the flow of blood to the liver and increases pressure in the portal vein. This will affect the organs connected to the portal vein.. like the spleen and vessels to the GI structure (varices).

Enlarged spleen

  • “Splenomegaly” What does the spleen do? Stores platelets and WBCs. With portal HTN the platelets and WBCs are kept in the spleen. They can’t leave, and this leads to a low platelet and WBC count.

Esophageal Varices 

  • (as well as gastric varices): due to the increased pressure via the portal vein. This increased pressure causes the veins to become weak, and they can RUPTURE!
  • Life-threatening if the varice ruptures: WHY? Remember the platelet count will be low along with clotting factors available AND levels of Vitamin-K…they are at risk for a total bleed out.

Fluid overload in legs and abdomen

  • Ascites (fluid in the abdomen). If the patient has ascites, they are at risk for infection from bacteria in the GI system. Remember, the immune system is compromised because of low WBC production. Swelling in the legs and ascites is happening due to venous congestion from the portal HTN and low albumin levels (the water is not being regulated in the body and is entering the interstitial tissue).

Jaundice

  • Yellowing of the sclera of the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. This is due to the hepatocytes leaking bilirubin into the blood rather than the bile.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

  • the liver is unable to detoxify. Ammonia builds up along with other toxins that collect in the brain. This leads to an altered mental system, coma, neuromuscular problems, asterixis (involuntary hand-flapping), hepatic foetor “fetor hepaticus” (late sign; A pungent, musty, sweet smell to the breath)

Clotting problems

  • Thrombocytopenia is seen in most patients with cirrhosis.
    • Reduced production due to impaired hepatic synthesis of thrombopoietin
  • Chang in INR. maybe low or elevated
    • Most clotting factors are synthesized by the liver.  Reduction in these clotting factors tends to cause reduced enzymatic coagulation.
    • Naturally occurring anticoagulants are also synthesized by the liver.  A deficiency of these tends to augment enzymatic coagulation.
    • Factor VIII is produced by endothelial cells and tends to be upregulated in cirrhosis, augmenting coagulation.
    •  

Renal Failure

In severe cases known as Hepatorenal Syndrome.

Miscellaneous

  • Liver Cancer
  • bone fractures (low vitamin D)
  • Diabetes

Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis:

Early stages of how cirrhosis affects the body:

  • Patients may be asymptomatic

Late stages of how cirrhosis affects the body:

  • GI system. 
    • Early indicators usually involve gastrointestinal signs and symptoms such as anorexia, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
  • Respiratory system. 
    • Respiratory symptoms occur due to hepatic insufficiency and portal hypertension.
    • Pleural effusion, and limited thoracic expansion due to abdominal ascites, interfering with efficient gas exchange and leading to hypoxia.
  • Central nervous system. 
    • Lethargy, mental changes, slurred speech, asterixis (flapping tremor), peripheral neuritis, paranoia, hallucinations, extreme obtundation, and ultimately, coma.
  • Hematologic.
    • The patient experiences bleeding tendencies and anemia.
  • Endocrine. 
    • The male patient experiences testicular atrophies
    • the female patient may have menstrual irregularities, gynecomastia, and loss of chest and axillary hair.
  • Skin. 
    • There is severe pruritus, extreme dryness, poor tissue turgor, abnormal pigmentation, spider angiomas, palmar erythema, and possibly jaundice.
  • Hepatic. 
    • Cirrhosis causes jaundice, ascites, hepatomegaly, edema of the legs, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatic renal syndrome.

Diagnosed:

  • Liver scan: The liver scan shows abnormal thickening and a liver mass.
  • Liver biopsy; a Liver biopsy is a definitive test for cirrhosis as it detects destruction and fibrosis of the hepatic tissue.
  • Liver imaging: Computed tomography scan, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging may confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis through visualization of masses, abnormal growths, metastases, and venous malformations.
  • Cholecystography and cholangiography visualize the gallbladder and the biliary duct system.
  • Splenoportal venography: Splenoportal venography visualizes the portal venous system.
  • Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography: This test differentiates intrahepatic from extrahepatic obstructive jaundice and discloses hepatic pathology and the presence of gallstones.
  • How cirrhosis affects blood count: There is decreased white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit, albumin, or platelets.

Medical Management

Treatment is designed to remove or alleviate the underlying cause of cirrhosis.

  • Diet. The patient may benefit from a high-calorie and medium to high-protein diet.
    •  Once a patient has hepatic encephalopathy, restrict protein intake.
  • Sodium restriction.is usually restricted to 2g/day.
  • Fluid restriction. Fluids are restricted to 1 to 1.5 liters/day.
  • Activity. Rest and moderate exercise is essential.
  • Paracentesis. Paracentesis may help alleviate ascites.
  • Sengstaken-Blakemore or Minnesota tube. The Sengstaken-Blakemore or Minnesota tube may also help control hemorrhage by applying pressure on the bleeding site.

Pharmacologic Therapy

Drug therapy requires special caution because the cirrhotic liver cannot detoxify harmful agents effectively.

  • Octreotide. For esophageal varices.
    • improves renal function, total exchangeable sodium, and peripheral hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients with ascites
    • Helps with esophageal varies by decreasing portal vain hypertension
    • It also controls the emptying of the stomach and bowel
  • Diuretics. Diuretics may be given for edema, however, they require careful monitoring because fluid and electrolyte imbalance may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Lactulose. Encephalopathy is treated with lactulose.
  • Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to decrease intestinal bacteria and reduce ammonia production, one of the causes of encephalopathy.
  • beta blockers. Slow the heart rate, decreases the force of contraction, and also helps with the treatment of esophageal varices
  • Nitrates. Vaso dilator to treat portal hypertension
  • Administer blood products and vitamin K to help with clotting

Surgical Management

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. The TIPS procedure is used for the treatment of varices by upper endoscopy with banding to relieve portal hypertension.

Liver transplant: surgical resect or implantation of a new liver, partial or full

How Cirrhosis Affects the Body and What is the Nursing Management

Nursing management for the patient with cirrhosis of the liver should focus on promoting rest, improving nutritional status, providing skin care, reducing the risk of injury, and monitoring and managing complications.

  • Monitor blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia)
  • Assessing sclera and skin color for Jaundice along with urine color: very dark
  • Monitor I’s and O’s very closely, daily weight, monitor ascites and swelling in extremities
  • Activity intolerance, difficulty breathing (no supine), at risk for skin breakdown (turning every 2 hours), elevating feet
  • Administering Lactulose per MD order:  decreases ammonia levels

Nursing Assessment

Assessment of the patient with cirrhosis should include assessing for:

  • Bleeding. Check the patient’s skin, gums, stools, and vomitus for bleeding.
  • Fluid retention. To assess for fluid retention, weigh the patient and measure abdominal girth at least once daily.
  • Mentation. Assess the patient’s level of consciousness often and observe closely for changes in behavior or personality.

Learn more about cirrhosis of the liver by watching this full episode here

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
01:25 What is Cirrhosis
02:32 What causes Cirrhosis
04:12 What does the liver do
05:39 Functions of the liver
17:32 Complications of Cirrhosis
22:39 What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis
29:43 How to diagnose cirrhosis
34:54 Pharmacologic Therapy
37:44 Surgical Management
39:18 Nursing Assessment
42:28 Wrapping up the show

 

EP 191: Nursing Negligence & HIPPA with Irnise Williams

EP 191: Nursing Negligence & HIPPA with Irnise Williams

Nursing Negligence & HIPPA with Irnise Williams

Nursing negligence is when a nurse fails to do or perform minimum nursing care within the standards of conduct, which results in loss or harm. It can also result from a failure of the nurse to perform their duties or when it is done incorrectly.

While this rarely happens, it is still something that all nurses must be aware of. The lives of our patients are in our hands, it is vital that we are always conscious and mindful of our job and duties as members of the healthcare team. 

Our Guest

In this episode, we would like to introduce you to Irnise Williams. Irnise is an experienced nurse and now an attorney. She has a vast amount of knowledge when it comes to healthcare law.

Irnise has advocated for and trained thousands of healthcare providers to work within their scope of practice. She has also worked with over 100 businesses helping them operate and stay protected by creating systems, solutions, and success through her 5-step framework. 

QUESTIONS FOR GUESTS

The questions below are some we’d like to tackle. We often go off-topic, so we don’t expect to hit them all. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Looking forward to our conversation!

These are the questions you had in Calendly. We’ll go off your questions and wherever else our conversation goes.

  1. Can you give us a background about yourself? 
  2. From a legal standpoint, what can nurses get in trouble for?
  3. What kind of cases do you see most that involve nurses, physicians, or any healthcare professionals?
  4. What is malpractice from a healthcare professional standpoint?
    • What is your experience with malpractice cases?
    • Should every nurse have malpractice insurance?
  5. Other than malpractice insurance, how should nurses protect their licenses?
  6. What Potential Legal Ramifications Do Nurses Face?
  7. What should you do as a healthcare professional to avoid getting sued?
  8. Have HIPPA laws changed at all?
    • How is social media use affected by HIPPA law in the workplace? 
    • Can we talk about nursing stories outside of the hospital setting? 
  9. What is the 66-day business Bootcamp you offer?

ENDING QUESTIONS

Before we end the show, we have one last question we like to ask all our guests. If you had the opportunity to have a Cup of coffee with anybody one last time, who would it be & why? 

Learn more about Nursing Negligence & HIPPA by watching the full episode here! 👇😎

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
01:50 About Irnise Williams
05:19 The reason why Irnise went to law school
07:30 Transitioning from being a nurse to running a law firm
11:31 What you should do to avoid getting into trouble
14:08 Things that nurses may be held accountable for in court
20:52 The difference between negligence and malpractice
22:46 HIPPA Violations
28:29 Information you shouldn’t post on social media
30:31 Can a healthcare provider sue a hospital
33:52 Does healthcare provider need malpractice insurance
35:06 Other services Irnise can provide
36:47 Legal tips for nursepreneurs
38:31 Responsibilities and liabilities of a travel agency
41:26 Wrapping up the show