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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

How does dehydration usually affect the hematocrit?

  1. AIt has no effect
  2. BIt raises it
  3. CIt makes it zero
  4. DIt lowers it
2.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for serum creatinine?

  1. AAbout 10–20 mg/dL
  2. BAbout 3.5–5.0 mg/dL
  3. CAbout 135–145 mg/dL
  4. DAbout 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
3.Easy

A urine dipstick is positive for leukocyte esterase. What does this show?

  1. ABilirubin is being passed in the urine
  2. BWhite blood cells are present in the urine
  3. CRed blood cells are present in the urine
  4. DProtein is leaking through the glomeruli
4.Medium

Which group of findings fits hypercalcemia?

  1. ATetany, muscle cramps and a positive Chvostek’s sign
  2. BPeaked T waves and muscle weakness only
  3. CThirst with very dilute urine as the only signs
  4. DConstipation, fatigue, confusion and kidney stones
5.Medium

A week after a splenectomy, a patient's platelet count is 650 × 10³/µL. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA sign of iron overload from the surgery and transfusion
  2. BAn expected rise after splenectomy that increases clot risk
  3. CA sign of new leukemia that needs immediate chemotherapy
  4. DA laboratory error, because platelets fall after splenectomy
6.Medium

A patient's eGFR has fallen to 24 mL/min/1.73 m². Which prescribed drug should the nurse question before giving it?

  1. ALevothyroxine
  2. BInsulin glargine
  3. CAcetaminophen (paracetamol)
  4. DMetformin
7.Hard

A patient on digoxin has a calcium of 12.1 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) and new nausea and a slow pulse. Why is the calcium result important?

  1. AHigh calcium blocks digoxin, so the drug stops working
  2. BHigh calcium only matters if the potassium is also high
  3. CHigh calcium makes the kidneys clear digoxin faster
  4. DHigh calcium increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
8.Hard

A patient's bedside glucose meter shows "HI" (above its measuring range). The patient is drowsy. What should the nurse do?

  1. ARecord "HI" and repeat the meter test at the next scheduled time
  2. BAssume the meter is broken and give the usual insulin dose
  3. CGive oral glucose in case the reading is wrong and the patient is low
  4. DSend a venous sample to the lab and inform the provider at once

Answer key

  1. 1. B · It raises it
  2. 2. D · About 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
  3. 3. B · White blood cells are present in the urine
  4. 4. D · Constipation, fatigue, confusion and kidney stones
  5. 5. B · An expected rise after splenectomy that increases clot risk
  6. 6. D · Metformin
  7. 7. D · High calcium increases the risk of digoxin toxicity
  8. 8. D · Send a venous sample to the lab and inform the provider at once

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