Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Free printable Lab values & electrolytes worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy

A low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) means that:

  1. AThe red cells are smaller than normal (microcytic)
  2. BThe red cells are larger than normal (macrocytic)
  3. CThe bone marrow is making too many white cells
  4. DThe red cells contain more hemoglobin than normal
2.Easy

In a healthy adult, the CSF glucose is usually about what proportion of the blood glucose?

  1. AAbout two-thirds (60%)
  2. BExactly the same (100%)
  3. CAbout double (200%)
  4. DAbout one tenth (10%)
3.Easy

What does the term "thrombocytosis" mean?

  1. AA high platelet count
  2. BA high white cell count
  3. CA low red cell count
  4. DA low platelet count
4.Medium

Why must a low total calcium be interpreted with care in a patient with a low serum albumin?

  1. AAlbumin and calcium are measured with the same chemical reaction, so they always fall together
  2. BLow albumin makes every calcium test inaccurate and useless
  3. CLow albumin always causes true, symptomatic hypocalcemia
  4. DMuch calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
5.Medium

Which laboratory value best reflects the cause of confusion in a patient with severe liver disease and a flapping tremor?

  1. AA low serum potassium only
  2. BA raised serum ammonia
  3. CA low serum lipase
  4. DA raised troponin
6.Medium

A patient’s hemoglobin is 7.8 g/dL (78 g/L). Which findings would the nurse expect?

  1. AItching, yellow skin and dark urine
  2. BA slow heart rate, flushed skin and a high blood pressure
  3. CHeadache, nosebleeds and a red face
  4. DFatigue, pallor, a fast heart rate and breathlessness on exertion
7.Hard

A patient without symptoms has a TSH of 7.5 mIU/L on two occasions with a normal free T4. Which term fits best?

  1. ASubclinical hyperthyroidism
  2. BSubclinical hypothyroidism
  3. COvert primary hypothyroidism
  4. DSecondary hypothyroidism
8.Hard

An older adult has bone pain, fatigue and frequent infections. Results show anemia, a calcium of 12.4 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L), a raised total protein and a rising creatinine. Which condition should be suspected?

  1. APrimary hypothyroidism
  2. BAcute viral hepatitis
  3. CMultiple myeloma
  4. DIron-deficiency anemia

Answer key

  1. 1. A · The red cells are smaller than normal (microcytic)
  2. 2. A · About two-thirds (60%)
  3. 3. A · A high platelet count
  4. 4. D · Much calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
  5. 5. B · A raised serum ammonia
  6. 6. D · Fatigue, pallor, a fast heart rate and breathlessness on exertion
  7. 7. B · Subclinical hypothyroidism
  8. 8. C · Multiple myeloma

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