Critical values requiring immediate notification
Purpose of this sheet: essential lab result interpretation landmarks a nurse or licensed practical nurse in Quebec should keep in mind for clinical practice and for succeeding on the OIIQ or OIIAQ entry exam. Exam relevance: The OIIQ expects critical reading of lab results and identification of values requiring immediate nursing action. — Clinical landmarks — Potassium under 2.5 or above 6.0 mmol/L Sodium under 120 or above 160 mmol/L Glucose under 2.8 or above 25 mmol/L Hemoglobin under 70 g/L Platelets under 50 ×10⁹/L INR above 5 with bleeding Lactate above 4 mmol/L pH under 7.20 or above 7.60 Calcium (total) under 1.6 or above 3.2 mmol/L A critical value is reported to the prescriber without delay, and the notification is documented with the time. — Remember — Use this sheet in spaced repetition, pair it with a matching clinical scenario on NursEduc, and always compare values to the person's baseline before drawing conclusions. Keywords: laboratory, normal values, biochemistry, hematology, results, OIIQ exam, OIIQ exam prep, OIIAQ exam prep, nurse in Quebec, NursEduc.