Adults

Potential critical value is greater than 7.4 mg/dL (SI: 654.2 micromol/L) (nondialysis patient).

Potential critical value is greater than 3.8 mg/dL (SI: 336 micromol/L) (nondialysis patient).

Note and immediately report to the health-care provider (HCP) any critically increased values and related symptoms. Timely notification of critical values for lab or diagnostic studies is a role expectation of the professional nurse. Notification processes will vary among facilities. Upon receipt of the critical value, the information should be read back to the caller to verify accuracy. Most policies require immediate notification of the primary HCP, hospitalist, or on-call HCP. Reported information includes the patient’s name, unique identifiers, critical value, name of the person giving the report, and name of the person receiving the report. Documentation of notification should be made in the medical record with the name of the HCP notified, time and date of notification, and any orders received. Any delay in a timely report of a critical value may require completion of a notification form with review by Risk Management.

Chronic renal insufficiency is identified by creatinine levels between 1.5 and 3 mg/dL; chronic renal failure is present at levels greater than 3 mg/dL.

Possible interventions may include renal or peritoneal dialysis and organ transplant, but early discovery of the cause of elevated creatinine levels might avoid such drastic interventions.