Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is the target lab value for Creatinine?

1. 0.5-1.0 mg/dL

2. 1.0-2.0 mg/dL

3. 10-18 mg/dL

4. 4.0-6.0 mg/dL

The correct answer is: 10-18 mg/dL

The target lab value for creatinine in healthy individuals typically falls within the range of 0.5-1.5 mg/dL, depending on factors such as muscle mass and hydration status. When interpreting creatinine levels, it's essential to recognize what elevated or lower levels indicate about kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism, and the kidneys filter it out of the bloodstream. Higher creatinine levels can suggest diminished kidney function or impairment, as the kidneys are unable to effectively clear this waste from the body. The choice indicating 10-18 mg/dL would generally be well above the normal range, which could indicate severe renal dysfunction or other medical issues. Understanding normal ranges helps in monitoring patients, particularly those on dialysis, as they must maintain stable levels to assess their treatment efficacy and kidney health accurately. In normal circumstances, a creatinine level significantly outside the expected range indicates the need for medical evaluation and potentially calls for adjustments in treatment or further diagnostic assessment.