Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Which blood group is the universal donor for red blood cells in an emergency?

1. AGroup B, Rh positive
2. BGroup A, Rh negative
3. CGroup O, Rh negative
4. DGroup AB, Rh positive

What does a raised D-dimer level show?

1. AThe patient is taking too much warfarin
2. BFibrin clots are being formed and broken down in the body
3. CThe liver is no longer able to make clotting factors
4. DThe platelet count is too low to stop bleeding

What is the usual urine dipstick result for protein in a healthy adult?

1. ANegative or trace
2. BAlways moderately positive
3. CStrongly positive (+++)
4. DPositive only in the morning

On the first day after major surgery, a patient's white cell count is 12.5 × 10³/µL, with no fever or wound signs. What is the best interpretation?

1. ADefinite wound infection that needs antibiotics now
2. BA sign of leukemia that needs bone marrow testing
3. CA laboratory error, since surgery lowers white cells
4. DA common stress response to surgery that is monitored

A patient with hyperkalemia is prescribed an oral potassium binder such as patiromer or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. How does this drug lower potassium?

1. AIt protects the heart muscle against high potassium levels
2. BIt binds potassium in the gut so it leaves in the stool
3. CIt moves potassium into cells in the next few minutes
4. DIt stops the kidneys from absorbing water in the tubules

A patient has a platelet count of 18 × 10³/µL. Which nursing measure is appropriate?

1. AEncourage flossing twice daily and shaving with a sharp razor blade
2. BGive the prescribed aspirin when the patient has a headache
3. CTake temperatures rectally every four hours for accuracy
4. DSoft toothbrush, electric razor and no intramuscular injections

A patient has a positive hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) test. What is the most appropriate next step?

1. ARepeat the antibody test, as a positive test is always false
2. BTell the patient they definitely have chronic hepatitis C
3. CGive hepatitis C vaccine to prevent further infection
4. DTest for HCV RNA to find out whether infection is current

Four results arrive at the same time. Which patient should the nurse see first?

1. AGlucose 48 mg/dL (2.7 mmol/L) in a patient who had insulin an hour ago
2. BWhite cell count 12.0 × 10³/µL on the first day after surgery
3. CHemoglobin 10.4 g/dL (104 g/L) in a patient with stable chronic kidney disease
4. DINR 2.6 in a patient on warfarin for atrial fibrillation