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 magnesium?

  1. AAbout 0.3–0.7 mEq/L (0.15–0.35 mmol/L)
  2. BAbout 6.0–8.0 mEq/L (3.0–4.0 mmol/L)
  3. CAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L (1.75–2.5 mmol/L)
  4. DAbout 1.3–2.1 mEq/L (0.65–1.05 mmol/L)
2.Easy

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used mainly in relation to which organ?

  1. APituitary gland
  2. BPancreas
  3. CThyroid gland
  4. DProstate gland
3.Easy

Which fasting blood glucose is within the typical normal range for an adult without diabetes?

  1. A85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L)
  2. B45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L)
  3. C140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
  4. D210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L)
4.Medium

In countries that screen all pregnant women (such as the US), a vaginal-rectal swab is taken at about 36–37 weeks. Which organism is it screening for?

  1. AStaphylococcus aureus
  2. BCandida albicans
  3. CGroup B Streptococcus
  4. DHepatitis B virus
5.Medium

A stool test for Clostridioides difficile is ordered. Which sample is appropriate?

  1. AAny stool after a laxative dose
  2. BA rectal swab from a patient with constipation
  3. CAn unformed (liquid or soft) stool
  4. DA formed, hard stool sample
6.Medium

When should blood cultures be taken for a patient with suspected sepsis?

  1. AAfter the first three doses of antibiotics
  2. BAt any time, since antibiotics do not affect the result
  3. CBefore the first antibiotic dose, without delaying it much
  4. DOnly if the fever lasts more than three days
7.Hard

A patient with schizophrenia drinks very large amounts of water each day. Sodium is 121 mEq/L, and the urine is very dilute (urine osmolality 70 mOsm/kg). Which explanation fits best?

  1. APrimary (psychogenic) polydipsia
  2. BCentral diabetes insipidus
  3. CSyndrome of inappropriate ADH
  4. DHyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
8.Hard

A patient with blood pressure that is hard to control has a potassium of 2.9 mEq/L, a sodium of 144 mEq/L and a raised serum bicarbonate, without taking a diuretic. Which condition is most likely?

  1. APrimary hyperaldosteronism
  2. BCentral diabetes insipidus
  3. CSyndrome of inappropriate ADH
  4. DPrimary adrenal insufficiency

Answer key

  1. 1. D · About 1.3–2.1 mEq/L (0.65–1.05 mmol/L)
  2. 2. D · Prostate gland
  3. 3. A · 85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L)
  4. 4. C · Group B Streptococcus
  5. 5. C · An unformed (liquid or soft) stool
  6. 6. C · Before the first antibiotic dose, without delaying it much
  7. 7. A · Primary (psychogenic) polydipsia
  8. 8. A · Primary hyperaldosteronism

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