You do not need every reference range. You need instant, no-hesitation recall on the values that drive nursing action: potassium 3.5–5.0, sodium 135–145, therapeutic digoxin 0.5–2.0, lithium 0.6–1.2, and INR 2–3 on warfarin.
Why these five
Each one gates a classic intervention question: hold the digoxin, question the potassium order, restrict fluids. If the value triggers an action, it's memorized; if it only describes a condition, you can reason it out.
#Cheatsheet#Lab values
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Sarah Mitchell, MSN, RN
Lead Tutor
Writes about NCLEX strategy and content review for NCLEXProHub, drawing on years of tutoring candidates through the computer-adaptive exam — including repeat testers and internationally educated nurses.