Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What does the term "thrombocytosis" mean?

1. AA high platelet count
2. BA low red cell count
3. CA high white cell count
4. DA low platelet count

What is the usual urine dipstick result for protein in a healthy adult?

1. AStrongly positive (+++)
2. BNegative or trace
3. CPositive only in the morning
4. DAlways moderately positive

Why is serum creatinine a better marker of kidney function than BUN?

1. AIt is not filtered by the kidneys, so its level stays very stable
2. BIt is affected mainly by protein intake, which is easy to control
3. CIt is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut
4. DIt is made by the liver, so it rises in every kind of illness

Which IV fluid can be given through the same line as a red cell transfusion?

1. ALactated Ringer's (Hartmann's) solution
2. B5% dextrose in water
3. C0.9% sodium chloride
4. D0.45% sodium chloride

In the third trimester of pregnancy, a woman's alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is about twice the usual adult range, and the other liver tests are normal. What is the best interpretation?

1. AA sign of blocked bile ducts
2. BA sign of new bone cancer
3. CA sign of acute viral hepatitis
4. DA normal rise from placental ALP

A patient on a heparin infusion has an aPTT below the target range on the protocol. What should the nurse do?

1. AContinue the same rate and recheck the aPTT in a few days
2. BSwitch the infusion to oral warfarin without a prescription
3. CStop the infusion and give protamine sulfate as quickly as possible
4. DAdjust the rate as the protocol directs and recheck as scheduled

A patient on warfarin with a stable INR of 2.4 starts a course of an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin. A week later the INR is 4.6. What is the most likely explanation?

1. AThe patient has eaten more vitamin K–rich food
2. BThe antibiotic has cured the patient’s need for anticoagulation
3. CA drug interaction that increases the effect of warfarin
4. DA laboratory error is the only possible explanation

A patient on a thiazide diuretic has a sodium of 129 mEq/L, a potassium of 3.2 mEq/L and feels weak. Which explanation fits best?

1. AThe results are typical of kidney failure
2. BThe diuretic is causing sodium and potassium loss
3. CThe patient has primary hyperaldosteronism with high sodium
4. DThe patient is overhydrated from IV fluids only