Laboratory testing is ordered for a male patient during a clinic visit for a routine follow-up assessment of hypertension. When interpreting lab values, the nurse knows that
A) a normal value represents the test results that fall within the bell curve.
B) if the lab result is above the 50% distribution, the result is considered elevated.
C) all lab values are adjusted for gender and weight.
D) if the result of a very sensitive test is negative, that does not mean the person is disease free.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

What is termed a normal value for a laboratory test is established statistically from results obtained from a selected sample of people. A normal value represents the test results that fall within the bell curve or the 95% distribution. Some lab values (like hemoglobin) are adjusted for gender, other comorbidities, or age. If the result of a very sensitive test is negative, it tells us the person does not have the disease, and the disease has been ruled out or excluded.

Laboratory Testing Is Ordered for a Male Patient During a Clinic