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 main role of albumin in the blood?

  1. AIt forms the mesh that holds a blood clot together
  2. BIt fights bacteria by engulfing them in the blood
  3. CIt carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues
  4. DIt holds fluid in the vessels by oncotic pressure
2.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for the white blood cell count?

  1. AAbout 4.5–11 × 10³/µL (4.5–11 × 10⁹/L)
  2. BAbout 0.5–1.0 × 10³/µL (0.5–1.0 × 10⁹/L)
  3. CAbout 150–400 × 10³/µL (150–400 × 10⁹/L)
  4. DAbout 25–40 × 10³/µL (25–40 × 10⁹/L)
3.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for serum potassium?

  1. A3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  2. B6.0–8.0 mEq/L
  3. C135–145 mEq/L
  4. D1.3–2.1 mEq/L
4.Medium

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

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

A patient with cirrhosis has an albumin of 2.2 g/dL (22 g/L). Which finding is most likely related?

  1. AHigh blood pressure
  2. BEdema and ascites
  3. CHyperkalemia
  4. DIncreased urine output
6.Medium

A patient has burning on urination and frequency. The dipstick is positive for nitrites and leukocyte esterase, and a urine culture is ordered. When should the sample be taken?

  1. AAt any time, as antibiotics do not matter
  2. BBefore the first dose of antibiotic
  3. CAfter the symptoms have fully settled
  4. DAfter 3 days of antibiotic treatment
7.Hard

A patient with kidney stones and fatigue has a calcium of 11.6 mg/dL (2.9 mmol/L), a high parathyroid hormone (PTH) and a low phosphate. Which condition is most likely?

  1. ACancer-related hypercalcemia
  2. BHypoparathyroidism
  3. CPrimary hyperparathyroidism
  4. DVitamin D deficiency
8.Hard

A patient on an IV insulin infusion has a blood glucose of 65 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L). What is the best action?

  1. AFollow the protocol for low glucose and inform the provider
  2. BGive oral potassium to protect the heart
  3. CStop the infusion and leave the glucose recheck until the morning
  4. DContinue at the same rate and recheck in four hours

Answer key

  1. 1. D · It holds fluid in the vessels by oncotic pressure
  2. 2. A · About 4.5–11 × 10³/µL (4.5–11 × 10⁹/L)
  3. 3. A · 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  4. 4. B · The sodium can rise too quickly
  5. 5. B · Edema and ascites
  6. 6. B · Before the first dose of antibiotic
  7. 7. C · Primary hyperparathyroidism
  8. 8. A · Follow the protocol for low glucose and inform the provider

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