What are Critical Values and How Should Nurses Respond?
Critical values are lab results that fall significantly outside the normal range and indicate a potential life-threatening situation. For instance, a potassium level below 2.5 mEq/L or above 6.5 mEq/L can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Nurses must act swiftly by notifying the healthcare provider immediately, documenting the conversation, and preparing to implement any urgent orders.
