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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What does a positive blood or urine ketone test mainly indicate?

  1. AThe patient has a urinary tract infection
  2. BThe body is breaking down fat for fuel, as in insulin deficiency or starvation
  3. CThe liver is producing too much bilirubin
  4. DThe kidneys are leaking protein into the urine
2.Easy

What is the main effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on serum calcium?

  1. AIt raises serum calcium
  2. BIt has no effect on calcium
  3. CIt lowers serum calcium
  4. DIt only changes urine calcium
3.Easy

Which condition commonly causes a high serum potassium?

  1. AKidney failure
  2. BSevere diarrhea
  3. CLoop diuretic use
  4. DRepeated vomiting
4.Medium

A patient with hyponatremia from SIADH starts tolvaptan. Why is the serum sodium checked frequently in the first day?

  1. AThe drug lowers blood glucose sharply
  2. BThe sodium always falls further
  3. CThe sodium can rise too quickly
  4. DThe drug causes severe hyperkalemia
5.Medium

A patient has taken hydrochlorothiazide for several years. Which laboratory change is a recognized effect of this drug?

  1. AA rise in serum potassium
  2. BA rise in serum uric acid
  3. CA fall in serum calcium
  4. DA fall in blood glucose
6.Medium

A patient with diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL (2.1 mmol/L). Which treatment is appropriate?

  1. AGlucose tablets placed between the patient's teeth
  2. BOrange juice poured slowly into the patient's mouth
  3. CA dose of rapid-acting insulin to stabilize the glucose
  4. DGlucagon by injection, or IV dextrose as prescribed
7.Hard

A patient with right upper abdominal pain from gallstones now has jaundice, a total bilirubin of 4.8 mg/dL (82 µmol/L) and a raised ALP. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AGilbert syndrome triggered by pain
  2. BA stone blocking the common bile duct
  3. CHemolysis caused by the gallstones
  4. DUncomplicated gallbladder inflammation
8.Hard

A patient with a round face, central weight gain and purple stretch marks has a glucose of 210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L) and a potassium of 3.1 mEq/L. Which condition fits best?

  1. ACushing syndrome
  2. BAdrenal insufficiency
  3. CDiabetes insipidus
  4. DHypothyroidism

Answer key

  1. 1. B · The body is breaking down fat for fuel, as in insulin deficiency or starvation
  2. 2. A · It raises serum calcium
  3. 3. A · Kidney failure
  4. 4. C · The sodium can rise too quickly
  5. 5. B · A rise in serum uric acid
  6. 6. D · Glucagon by injection, or IV dextrose as prescribed
  7. 7. B · A stone blocking the common bile duct
  8. 8. A · Cushing syndrome

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.