A diabetic female has the following lab results: fasting glucose of 218 mg/dl, creatinine of 0.8 mg/dl, potassium of 4.1 mEq/l, hemoglobin of 8 mg/dl, CO2 of 41 mEq/l. Which result is critical and should be reported to the physician immediately?
Explanation
• Normal hemoglobin range for an adult female is about 12–16 mg/dl.
• Although the glucose is elevated, it is not a critical value. It should be reported to the physician if there is no existing order for insulin.
• Normal creatinine: 0.5–1.1 mg/dl.
• Normal potassium: 3.5–5.0 mEq/l.
• Normal CO2: 35–45 mEq/l.