Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Which laboratory test is used to diagnose sickle cell disease?

1. AHemoglobin electrophoresis
2. BSerum ferritin and transferrin saturation
3. CErythrocyte sedimentation rate
4. DProthrombin time with INR

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

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

What does the specificity of a diagnostic test describe?

1. AThe cost of the test compared with other tests
2. BThe proportion of people without the disease who test negative
3. CThe total number of people who take the test each year
4. DThe proportion of people with the disease who test positive

A healthy patient's result is slightly outside the laboratory reference range, and all other results are normal. Which statement best explains why this can happen?

1. AAny result outside the range always means disease is present
2. BReference ranges include every healthy person without exception
3. CRanges cover about 95% of healthy people, so some fall outside
4. DReference ranges are the same in every laboratory worldwide

When is a peak level for an IV aminoglycoside such as gentamicin usually drawn?

1. AExactly 24 hours after the first dose
2. BAt any time convenient for the patient
3. CAbout 30 minutes after the infusion ends
4. DJust before the next dose is started

After surgery for colon cancer, a patient's CEA had fallen to normal, but it has been rising over the last two checks. What does this most likely suggest?

1. AA normal change after surgery that needs no follow-up
2. BA sign of iron deficiency from the earlier bleeding
3. CA sure sign that the cancer has been fully cured
4. DPossible recurrence that needs further assessment

A young woman with frequent self-induced vomiting has swollen salivary glands. Which laboratory pattern is most likely?

1. AHigh calcium, high phosphate and high glucose
2. BHigh potassium, low bicarbonate and low amylase
3. CLow potassium, high bicarbonate and high amylase
4. DLow sodium, low bicarbonate and high lipase

A patient with SIADH is on fluid restriction. Which task can the RN delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), such as a nursing or healthcare assistant?

1. AMeasuring and recording intake and output
2. BAssessing the patient for new confusion
3. CDeciding when to recheck the sodium level
4. DTeaching the reasons for fluid restriction