Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

An older adult is found on the floor after lying there for many hours. Which blood test best shows breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis)?

1. AHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
2. BCreatine kinase (CK)
3. CSerum lipase
4. DSerum albumin

Which body system shows the main symptoms of a low serum sodium?

1. AThe eyes only
2. BThe nervous system
3. CThe skin and hair
4. DThe skeleton

Which gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

1. AThe adrenal cortex
2. BThe thyroid gland itself
3. CThe parathyroid glands
4. DThe anterior pituitary gland

A patient with chronic kidney disease receives an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent such as epoetin alfa. Which assessments are most important?

1. ASerum glucose and ketones
2. BSerum amylase and lipase
3. CHemoglobin and blood pressure
4. DLiver enzymes and bilirubin

A patient's potassium is unexpectedly 5.8 mEq/L. The sample was taken after the tourniquet was on for several minutes while the patient pumped their fist. What is the best interpretation?

1. ATourniquet time affects only the glucose result, not the potassium
2. BFist pumping lowers potassium, so the true level is even higher
3. CThe result may be falsely high and should be repeated with better technique
4. DThe result confirms true hyperkalemia and needs no further checking

A patient’s white cell count is 16 × 10³/µL with a high proportion of immature neutrophils (bands). What does this most likely indicate?

1. AA normal result
2. BAn acute bacterial infection
3. CA chronic viral illness only
4. DIron-deficiency anemia

A patient with thalassemia major has received regular red cell transfusions for years. The ferritin is now very high. What does this most likely show, and what treatment is used?

1. AIron deficiency, treated with IV iron supplements
2. BAcute infection, treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics
3. CIron overload, treated with iron chelation therapy
4. DLiver failure, treated with a liver transplant at once

A patient with alcohol use disorder has a potassium of 3.0 mEq/L despite two days of replacement. The magnesium is 0.9 mEq/L. What is the most appropriate next step?

1. AReplace the magnesium; low magnesium keeps the kidneys losing potassium
2. BStop all electrolyte replacement for 24 hours and recheck
3. CDouble the potassium dose and leave the magnesium for later
4. DGive a diuretic to remove the excess magnesium