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

For sodium and potassium, how does 1 mEq/L compare with 1 mmol/L?

  1. AThey are equal, because each ion carries a single charge
  2. BThey cannot be compared, as they measure different things
  3. C1 mEq/L equals 2 mmol/L for these ions
  4. D1 mEq/L equals 0.5 mmol/L for these ions
2.Easy

The tumor marker CA-125 is most often used to follow which cancer?

  1. ALung cancer
  2. BOvarian cancer
  3. CThyroid cancer
  4. DColon cancer
3.Easy

Which hemoglobin value in an adult man is within the typical reference range?

  1. A9.0 g/dL (90 g/L)
  2. B5.5 g/dL (55 g/L)
  3. C15.0 g/dL (150 g/L)
  4. D20.5 g/dL (205 g/L)
4.Medium

A patient has started parenteral nutrition (PN) through a central line. Which test is monitored most frequently in the first days?

  1. ASerum lipase
  2. BBlood glucose
  3. CHemoglobin A1c
  4. DThyroid hormones
5.Medium

When blood is drawn from a central venous catheter, why is a small volume of blood usually discarded first, according to policy?

  1. ATo remove blood clots that form in all central lines
  2. BTo check that the catheter tip is still in the right vein
  3. CTo lower the patient's hemoglobin for a blood transfusion
  4. DTo avoid diluting the sample with flush or infusion fluid
6.Medium

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

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

A patient’s vancomycin trough is 28 mcg/mL; the target set by the prescriber is 15–20 mcg/mL. The next dose is due now. What is the best action?

  1. AGive the dose as scheduled and recheck the trough level in a week
  2. BGive a double dose to finish the course faster
  3. CGive the dose over a shorter time to reduce exposure
  4. DHold the dose, inform the prescriber and check kidney function
8.Hard

A patient with heavy alcohol use and a poor diet has a hemoglobin of 10.1 g/dL (101 g/L), an MCV of 110 fL and a low red cell folate. Which explanation fits best?

  1. AIron deficiency from slow, chronic bleeding in the gut
  2. BAnemia caused by long-standing chronic kidney disease
  3. CFolate deficiency, made worse by a direct alcohol effect
  4. DThalassemia trait inherited from one of the parents

Answer key

  1. 1. A · They are equal, because each ion carries a single charge
  2. 2. B · Ovarian cancer
  3. 3. C · 15.0 g/dL (150 g/L)
  4. 4. B · Blood glucose
  5. 5. D · To avoid diluting the sample with flush or infusion fluid
  6. 6. D · The sodium can rise too quickly
  7. 7. D · Hold the dose, inform the prescriber and check kidney function
  8. 8. C · Folate deficiency, made worse by a direct alcohol effect

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