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

What is a typical adult reference range for serum phosphate?

  1. AAbout 5.5–7.5 mg/dL (1.8–2.4 mmol/L)
  2. BAbout 8.5–10.5 mg/dL (2.1–2.6 mmol/L)
  3. CAbout 2.5–4.5 mg/dL (0.8–1.5 mmol/L)
  4. DAbout 0.5–1.5 mg/dL (0.2–0.5 mmol/L)
2.Easy

What is the main role of fibrinogen in the blood?

  1. AIt is converted to fibrin, which forms the mesh of a clot
  2. BIt transports iron from the gut to the bone marrow
  3. CIt breaks down clots once the bleeding has stopped
  4. DIt carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues
3.Easy

Vitamin B12 deficiency typically causes which type of anemia?

  1. AMicrocytic anemia, with small red cells
  2. BHemolytic anemia, with destroyed red cells
  3. CMacrocytic anemia, with large red cells
  4. DAplastic anemia, with an empty bone marrow
4.Medium

Which group of findings fits hypercalcemia?

  1. ATetany, muscle cramps and a positive Chvostek’s sign
  2. BThirst with very dilute urine as the only signs
  3. CPeaked T waves and muscle weakness only
  4. DConstipation, fatigue, confusion and kidney stones
5.Medium

For most hospitalized adults with diabetes who are critically ill, which glucose target range is commonly recommended?

  1. AAbout 250–300 mg/dL (13.9–16.7 mmol/L)
  2. BAbout 300–350 mg/dL (16.7–19.4 mmol/L)
  3. CAbout 140–180 mg/dL (7.8–10 mmol/L)
  4. DAbout 60–80 mg/dL (3.3–4.4 mmol/L)
6.Medium

How should a blood sample for serum ammonia be handled?

  1. AKept warm and sent with the next routine batch
  2. BShaken firmly to mix it before it is sent away
  3. CLeft at room temperature for several hours first
  4. DPlaced on ice and sent to the laboratory at once
7.Hard

A patient has eaten very little for 2 weeks and has received broad-spectrum antibiotics. The INR is now 2.3 without warfarin, and the platelets are normal. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AIron-deficiency anemia
  2. BImmune thrombocytopenia
  3. CHemophilia A
  4. DVitamin K deficiency
8.Hard

Weeks after neck surgery, a patient has muscle cramps and tingling. Calcium is low, phosphate is high and parathyroid hormone (PTH) is low. Which condition fits best?

  1. APrimary hyperparathyroidism
  2. BChronic kidney disease
  3. CHypoparathyroidism
  4. DVitamin D toxicity

Answer key

  1. 1. C · About 2.5–4.5 mg/dL (0.8–1.5 mmol/L)
  2. 2. A · It is converted to fibrin, which forms the mesh of a clot
  3. 3. C · Macrocytic anemia, with large red cells
  4. 4. D · Constipation, fatigue, confusion and kidney stones
  5. 5. C · About 140–180 mg/dL (7.8–10 mmol/L)
  6. 6. D · Placed on ice and sent to the laboratory at once
  7. 7. D · Vitamin K deficiency
  8. 8. C · Hypoparathyroidism

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