This video explains the lab values nurses need to know for the NCLEX exam. You'll need to know these as a nursing student and as a nurse.

Normal lab values are a big thing you'll want to learn as you prep for your NCLEX exam. You can expect to encounter questions asking about these labs.

As a student prepping for NCLEX, you will want to know about the normal lab values of a CBC (complete blood count), BMP/CMP (basic or comprehensive metabolic panel), lipid panel, coagulation levels, arterial blood gases, and drug levels.

The complete blood count details the cells found in the blood: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit level.

The metabolic panel details the fluid and electrolyte status of the patient, glucose level, renal, and liver function.

The lipid panel details the patient's risk for cardiovascular disease (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

The arterial blood gas levels detail the patient's acid-base imbalance and if a respiratory or metabolic problem exists (blood pH, pCO2, HCO3, pO2, O2 saturation).

The hemoglobin A1C level is helpful in determining the patient's blood glucose level over the last 3 months.

Coagulation levels are important to determine clotting times, especially in a patient who is taking anticoagulants like Heparin or Warfarin.

Drugs level labs detail the amount of drug in the patient's system and is crucial in helping determine if a drug is toxic or therapeutic in a patient. Examples of drug levels would be: Digoxin, Dilantin, Lithium, Carbamazepine etc.

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