Clinical References for Nurses
Comprehensive clinical references to support evidence-based nursing practice. Quick access to drug information, lab values, assessment tools, and care protocols.
💊 Essential Drug Information
High-Alert Medications
Critical medications requiring special handling and monitoring
- Insulin preparations
- Anticoagulants (Heparin, Warfarin)
- Chemotherapy agents
- Opioid analgesics
- Potassium solutions
Drug Calculations
Essential formulas for safe medication administration
- Basic dosage formula
- Weight-based dosing
- IV flow rate calculations
- Unit conversions
- Pediatric dosing
Medication Safety
Rights of medication administration and safety checks
- Right patient, drug, dose
- Right route, time, documentation
- Drug interaction checks
- Allergy verification
- Double-checking protocols
📚 Clinical Decision Support Tools
Access evidence-based resources and clinical guidelines to enhance your nursing practice and patient outcomes.
🔬 Laboratory Values Reference
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
| Test | Normal Range | Critical Values |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | 12-16 g/dL (F) 14-18 g/dL (M) | <7 or >20 g/dL |
| Hematocrit | 36-46% (F) 41-53% (M) | <20% or >60% |
| WBC Count | 4,500-11,000/μL | <2,000 or >30,000 |
| Platelet Count | 150,000-450,000/μL | <50,000 or >1,000,000 |
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
| Test | Normal Range | Critical Values |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose | 70-100 mg/dL | <40 or >400 mg/dL |
| Sodium | 136-145 mEq/L | <120 or >160 mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.5-5.0 mEq/L | <2.5 or >6.0 mEq/L |
| Creatinine | 0.6-1.2 mg/dL | >4.0 mg/dL |
🩺 Vital Signs & Assessment
Normal Adult Vital Signs
- Blood Pressure: <120/80 mmHg
- Heart Rate: 60-100 bpm
- Respiratory Rate: 12-20 breaths/min
- Temperature: 97.8-99.1°F (36.5-37.3°C)
- Oxygen Saturation: ≥95% on room air
Pain Assessment Scales
- 0-10 Numeric Scale: Most common adult scale
- FACES Scale: Pediatric and communication barriers
- FLACC Scale: Non-verbal patients (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability)
- Wong-Baker Scale: Ages 3 and older
Glasgow Coma Scale
- Eye Opening: 1-4 points
- Verbal Response: 1-5 points
- Motor Response: 1-6 points
- Total Score: 3-15 (15 = normal)
- Severe: ≤8, Moderate: 9-12, Mild: 13-15
⚡ Emergency Protocols
Code Blue (Cardiac Arrest)
- Begin CPR immediately
- Call for help/activate code
- Prepare crash cart
- Establish IV access
- Prepare for intubation
- Administer medications per ACLS
Rapid Response Criteria
- RR <8 or >28/min
- HR <50 or >130 bpm
- SBP <90 mmHg
- O2 sat <90% on O2
- Acute change in mental status
- Staff concern about patient
Stroke Assessment (BE-FAST)
- Balance - dizziness/coordination
- Eyes - vision changes
- Face - facial droop
- Arms - arm weakness
- Speech - slurred speech
- Time - time to call 911
🔬 Diagnostic Test References
Quick reference for common diagnostic tests, normal values, and nursing considerations for accurate patient assessment.
🫀 Cardiac Markers
| Marker | Normal Range | Peak Time |
|---|---|---|
| Troponin I | <0.04 ng/mL | 12-24 hours |
| Troponin T | <0.1 ng/mL | 12-24 hours |
| CK-MB | 0-7.5 ng/mL | 12-24 hours |
| BNP | <100 pg/mL | N/A |
Lipid Panel
- Total Cholesterol: <200 mg/dL
- LDL: <100 mg/dL (<70 if high risk)
- HDL: >40 mg/dL (M), >50 mg/dL (F)
- Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL
🧬 Coagulation Studies
| Test | Normal Range | Therapeutic Range |
|---|---|---|
| PT | 11-13 seconds | 1.5-2.5x normal |
| INR | 0.8-1.2 | 2.0-3.0 (most indications) |
| aPTT | 25-35 seconds | 1.5-2.5x normal |
| Platelets | 150,000-450,000/μL | >50,000 for procedures |
Liver Function Tests
- ALT: 7-35 U/L
- AST: 8-35 U/L
- Bilirubin (total): 0.3-1.2 mg/dL
- Albumin: 3.5-5.0 g/dL
- Alkaline Phosphatase: 44-147 U/L
💉 IV Therapy Guidelines
14-16G: Trauma, surgery, blood transfusions
18-20G: General adult use, medications
22-24G: Elderly, pediatric, fragile veins
Isotonic: 0.9% NS, LR (stays in vascular space)
Hypotonic: 0.45% NS, D5W (moves into cells)
Hypertonic: 3% NS, D10W (pulls fluid from cells)
PICC: Long-term antibiotics, chemotherapy
Subclavian/Jugular: Critical care, multiple lumens
Femoral: Emergency access, temporary use
🔄 Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
Electrolyte Imbalances
| Condition | Signs/Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Hyponatremia (<136 mEq/L) |
Confusion, seizures, muscle cramps | Fluid restriction, hypertonic saline |
| Hypernatremia (>145 mEq/L) |
Thirst, dry mucous membranes, altered LOC | Hypotonic fluids, D5W |
| Hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L) |
Muscle weakness, arrhythmias, paralytic ileus | PO or IV potassium replacement |
| Hyperkalemia (>5.0 mEq/L) |
Muscle twitching, cardiac arrhythmias | Kayexalate, insulin/D50, calcium |
🩸 Blood Product Administration
Blood Type Compatibility
- O-: Universal donor (RBC)
- AB+: Universal recipient
- Crossmatch: Required for RBC transfusion
- Type & Screen: Identifies ABO/Rh and antibodies
Transfusion Guidelines
- Verify patient ID with two nurses
- Check blood product against order
- Start slowly: 2 mL/min x 15 minutes
- Monitor for reactions continuously
- Complete within 4 hours of starting
- Use 18G or larger IV catheter
📖 Evidence-Based Practice Resources
Stay current with the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based protocols for optimal patient care outcomes.