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

Which type of white blood cell is normally the most numerous in an adult's blood?

  1. ANeutrophils
  2. BEosinophils
  3. CMonocytes
  4. DLymphocytes
2.Easy

A raised lymphocyte count is most typical of:

  1. AViral infections
  2. BIron deficiency
  3. CAllergic asthma
  4. DBacterial abscesses
3.Easy

What is the main effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on the kidneys?

  1. AMore water is excreted, so the urine becomes dilute
  2. BMore potassium is reabsorbed, so the serum potassium rises
  3. CMore water is reabsorbed, so urine is concentrated
  4. DMore glucose is excreted, so the urine contains sugar
4.Medium

A patient with a low clinical probability of deep vein thrombosis has a normal (negative) D-dimer. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  2. BA pulmonary embolism is now certain to be present
  3. CA DVT is confirmed and anticoagulation is needed
  4. DThe test is useless and should always be ignored
5.Medium

An older adult with chronic kidney disease starts trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a urinary tract infection. Which electrolyte should be monitored closely?

  1. ACalcium, because the drug binds calcium in the gut
  2. BSodium, because the drug causes heavy sodium retention
  3. CPotassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  4. DChloride, because the drug causes chloride loss
6.Medium

A patient with an upper gastrointestinal bleed has a BUN of 48 mg/dL (urea 17 mmol/L) and a normal creatinine. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. ADigested blood adds protein, which the liver turns into urea
  2. BThe liver has stopped making urea because of the bleeding
  3. CSkeletal muscle is breaking down because of the blood loss
  4. DThe kidneys have suddenly lost most of their function
7.Hard

A patient has sudden episodes of severe headache, sweating, palpitations and very high blood pressure. Which test is most useful to look for the cause?

  1. AFasting lipid profile
  2. BSerum TSH and free T4
  3. CSerum calcium only
  4. DPlasma free metanephrines
8.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient with thrombocytopenia (platelets 25 × 10³/µL) about home safety. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I'll take aspirin if I get a headache"
  2. B"I'll use a soft-bristled toothbrush"
  3. C"I'll blow my nose gently, not forcefully"
  4. D"I'll use an electric razor to shave"

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Neutrophils
  2. 2. A · Viral infections
  3. 3. C · More water is reabsorbed, so urine is concentrated
  4. 4. A · A DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  5. 5. C · Potassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  6. 6. A · Digested blood adds protein, which the liver turns into urea
  7. 7. D · Plasma free metanephrines
  8. 8. A · "I'll take aspirin if I get a headache"

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