Complete Blood Count (CBC)

In this lesson, we will review what the components of a complete blood count are and how each aids in diagnosing disorders of the blood.  We will then review nursing interventions for drawing a complete blood count focusing on safety and preventing infection. Finally, we will focus on normal lab values for a complete blood count that nurses are responsible for memorizing to use as a guide for assessments and interventions.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Recognize the function of a complete blood count as a diagnostic test
2. List the components of a complete blood count
3. Recall normal values of the components of a complete blood count
4. Explain nursing interventions surrounding a complete blood count