Course Description:

The higher level of acuity of patients seen in home health and skilled nursing settings requires an understanding of the impact of key lab values on clinical presentation and prognosis. Therapy professionals must understand lab values to provide safe and effective care. This course guides the interpretation of lab values, including the complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte panel, hepatic panel, bleeding ratio (e.g., INR and prothrombin time), and cardiovascular labs (e.g., troponin). Beyond basic knowledge of critical lab values or cut-offs, you will learn to assess for trends, recognize factors that may be contributing to abnormal values, and use clinical decision-making to weigh the risks versus benefits of therapeutic intervention for adult patients.