Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What is the usual diagnostic cut-off for diabetes on a fasting plasma glucose test, when confirmed on a second test?

1. A110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L) or higher
2. B200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher
3. C100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or higher
4. D126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher

A raised alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in an adult is most closely linked to which cancer?

1. AHepatocellular (liver) cancer
2. BBladder urothelial cancer
3. CDuctal breast cancer
4. DProstate adenocarcinoma

A raised neutrophil count (neutrophilia) is most typical of:

1. AVitamin B₁₂ deficiency
2. BHay fever and asthma
3. CA mild viral cold
4. DAcute bacterial infection

A patient with type 2 diabetes starts prednisone each morning. When is the glucose most likely to be highest?

1. AThe glucose will not change
2. BAt midnight only
3. CIn the early morning, before the dose
4. DIn the afternoon and evening

A patient starts high-dose prednisone. Which laboratory change should the nurse expect?

1. AA fall in the white cell count
2. BA rise in blood glucose
3. CA rise in serum potassium
4. DA fall in serum sodium

A patient with chest pain that started one hour ago has a normal first troponin. What is the correct interpretation?

1. AInfarction is not ruled out; troponin is repeated per protocol
2. BTroponin is not useful in patients with chest pain
3. CThe patient can be discharged home straight away
4. DInfarction is ruled out, so no further troponin tests are needed

A patient has a sodium of 150 mEq/L, a glucose of 180 mg/dL and a BUN of 28 mg/dL. Using the formula 2 × Na + glucose/18 + BUN/2.8, what is the calculated serum osmolality?

1. AAbout 320 mOsm/kg, which is high
2. BAbout 358 mOsm/kg, which is high
3. CAbout 285 mOsm/kg, which is normal
4. DAbout 300 mOsm/kg, which is normal

A patient's low calcium does not improve despite several days of calcium replacement. Which other electrolyte should be checked and corrected?

1. AChloride
2. BSodium
3. CBicarbonate
4. DMagnesium