Write Up CMP, CBC, UA – Include Normal Range And Abnormal

Write up CMP CBC UA include normal range and what abnormal

Write up CMP, CBC, UA – include normal range and what abnormal

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), and urinalysis (UA) are essential diagnostic tests used in medical practice to evaluate various aspects of a patient's health. Each test provides specific information about bodily functions, and understanding their normal ranges along with the implications of abnormal values is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)

The CMP is a blood test that assesses your body's chemical balance and metabolism. It measures glucose levels, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function. The typical components and their normal ranges are:

  • Glucose: 70-99 mg/dL. High glucose may indicate diabetes, stress, or endocrine disorders. Low glucose levels can suggest hypoglycemia.
  • Calcium: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL. Elevated calcium may point to hyperparathyroidism, cancers, or vitamin D toxicity. Low calcium can result from hypoparathyroidism or nutritional deficiencies.
  • Sodium: 135-145 mmol/L. Hyponatremia can cause neurological symptoms; hypernatremia may indicate dehydration.
  • Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias; hypokalemia may lead to muscle weakness.
  • Bicarbonate (HCO₃): 22-26 mmol/L, which reflects acid-base balance. Abnormalities can suggest metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
  • Chloride: 96-106 mmol/L. Imbalances may be linked to fluid loss or electrolyte disturbances.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 7-20 mg/dL. Elevated levels can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration; low BUN is less common but may be caused by liver disease.
  • Creatinine: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL. High creatinine suggests impaired kidney function; low levels are usually not significant.

Abnormal findings in the CMP help identify underlying issues such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, liver dysfunction, or kidney impairment.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

The CBC evaluates blood components, including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Its normal ranges are:

  • RBC: 4.7-6.1 million cells/mcL (men); 4.2-5.4 million cells/mcL (women). Low RBC or hemoglobin may indicate anemia; high counts can suggest polycythemia.
  • Hemoglobin: 13.8-17.2 g/dL (men); 12.1-15.1 g/dL (women). Low hemoglobin points to anemia; high levels may suggest dehydration or polycythemia vera.
  • Hematocrit: 40-52% (men); 36-48% (women). Abnormal hematocrit mirrors changes in RBC mass.
  • WBC: 4,500-11,000 cells/mcL. Elevated WBC (leukocytosis) can indicate infection or inflammation; decreased WBC (leukopenia) may result from bone marrow suppression or autoimmune conditions.
  • Platelets: 150,000-450,000 cells/mcL. Thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding risks; thrombocytosis may be linked to inflammation or marrow disorders.

Abnormal CBC values aid in diagnosing infections, blood disorders, anemia, and immune status.

Urinalysis (UA)

The UA tests urine for indications of disease. Normal values include clear, yellow urine with a pH of 4.5-8.0, specific gravity of 1.005-1.030, and no abnormal constituents. Key findings include:

  • Protein: Presence can indicate kidney disease.
  • Glucose: Usually not present; its presence suggests diabetes mellitus.
  • Ketones: Indicate fat metabolism, often seen in diabetes or starvation.
  • Blood: Hematuria may point to infection, stones, or trauma.
  • Leukocytes and Nitrites: Elevated levels suggest urinary tract infection.

Abnormal urine findings assist in diagnosing kidney disorders, infections, metabolic conditions, and other systemic issues.

Uses of Chest X-ray and CT Scan

Chest X-ray is a widely used imaging modality that provides a quick overview of the lungs, heart, and chest wall. It is typically used to detect pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pleural effusions, fractures, and tumors. Its advantages include low cost, accessibility, and minimal radiation exposure, making it suitable for initial assessment of respiratory symptoms or trauma.

Computed Tomography (CT) scan offers a more detailed cross-sectional imaging of the thorax. It is used to detect pulmonary embolisms, detailed lung pathology, mediastinal masses, and complicated infections. CT scans are particularly useful when a chest X-ray reveals abnormalities that require further characterization or when soft tissue differentiation is essential.

Conclusion

The CMP, CBC, and UA are fundamental laboratory tests providing valuable insights into various physiological systems, aiding in diagnosis and management of numerous conditions. Recognizing normal ranges and understanding the implications of abnormal values are foundational skills for nursing and medical professionals, facilitating early detection and tailored interventions. Imaging tools such as chest X-ray and CT scans complement laboratory findings by providing critical visual information essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

References

  • Fletcher, A., & O'Connell, M. (2019). Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics. Springer.
  • Kumar, P., & Clark, M. (2021). Clinical Medicine (10th ed.). Elsevier.
  • McPherson, R., & Pincus, M. (2018). Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods (23rd ed.). Elsevier.
  • Katzung, B. G., Masters, S. B., & Trevor, A. J. (2021). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (15th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
  • Marino, P. L. (2020). The ICU Book (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Rao, K., & Bhagat, H. (2020). Diagnostic Imaging: Chest. Elsevier.
  • Golding, A. (2020). An Introduction to Imaging and Diagnostic Techniques. Academic Press.
  • Schünemann, H., et al. (2019). Imaging of Pulmonary Embolism. European Respiratory Journal, 53(2), 1802195.
  • Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (20th Ed.). (2018). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Sleisenger, M. H., & Fordtran, J. S. (2019). Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. Saunders.

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