Everything you need to know — one page
| Lab | Normal | Critical |
|---|---|---|
| Na+ | 135–145 | <120 or >160 |
| K+ | 3.5–5.0 | <2.5 or >6.5 |
| Ca2+ | 8.5–10.5 | <6 or >13 |
| Glucose | 70–100 | <50 or >500 |
| pH (ABG) | 7.35–7.45 | <7.20 or >7.60 |
| pCO2 | 35–45 mmHg | <20 or >70 |
| HCO3 | 22–26 | <10 or >40 |
| INR | 0.8–1.2 | >4 (bleed risk) |
| Hgb | 12–17 g/dL | <7 (transfuse) |
| Digoxin | 0.5–2.0 ng/mL | >2 (toxic) |
| Lithium | 0.6–1.2 mEq/L | >1.5 (toxic) |
| Drug | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Morphine | Antidote: Narcan. RR <12 = hold |
| Heparin | Monitor aPTT. Antidote: Protamine |
| Warfarin | Monitor INR 2–3. Antidote: Vit K |
| Digoxin | Hold HR <60. Antidote: Digibind |
| Magnesium SO4 | Antidote: Ca Gluconate. Check DTRs |
| Regular Insulin | Only insulin for IV. Clear before cloudy |
| Furosemide | Monitor K+, BP, urine output |
| Metoprolol | Hold HR <60. Never abrupt stop |
| Lisinopril (ACEi) | Dry cough → switch to ARB |
| Lithium | Therapeutic: 0.6–1.2. Na+ affects levels |
| Haloperidol | Watch for EPS. Antidote: Cogentin |
| Metformin | Hold before contrast. Lactic acidosis risk |
| Ampicillin | Allergy check — penicillin cross-react |
| Gentamicin | Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity. Peak/trough |
| Levothyroxine | 30–60 min before breakfast on empty stomach |
| Sertraline (SSRI) | Mood effect: 4–6 weeks. Serotonin syndrome |
| Epinephrine 1:1000 | Anaphylaxis: 0.3 mg IM outer thigh |
| Oxytocin (Pitocin) | Nonreassuring FHR → stop immediately |
| Vancomycin | Monitor trough. "Red man" = slow infusion |
| KCl IV | Max 10 mEq/hr peripheral. NEVER push |
| Who | Can Do | Cannot Do |
|---|---|---|
| RN | All nursing functions | Nothing is off-limits for RN |
| LPN | Stable pts, routine meds, wound care, data collection | Initial assessment, care planning, IV push (most states), unstable pts |
| CNA | ADLs, VS (stable), ambulation, I&O | Assessment, medications, teaching |
| Age | HR | RR | BP (Systolic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 120–160 | 30–60 | 60–80 |
| Infant (1–12mo) | 100–150 | 25–40 | 70–100 |
| Toddler (1–3yr) | 90–140 | 20–30 | 80–110 |
| Preschool (3–5yr) | 80–120 | 18–25 | 80–110 |
| School-age (6–12yr) | 70–110 | 16–22 | 85–120 |
| Adolescent | 60–100 | 12–20 | 95–135 |
| Adult | 60–100 | 12–20 | 90–140 |
| Older Adult | 60–100 | 12–20 | 90–150 |
| Type | Diseases | PPE |
|---|---|---|
| Airborne | TB, Measles, Varicella, COVID | N95, negative pressure room |
| Droplet | Flu, Pertussis, Meningitis, Mumps | Surgical mask <3 ft, gown |
| Contact | MRSA, VRE, C. diff | Gown + gloves |
| Standard | All patients | Gloves + mask PRN |