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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What does the term "thrombocytosis" mean?

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

A raised procalcitonin level most strongly suggests:

  1. AAn allergic reaction
  2. BA viral common cold
  3. CIron-deficiency anemia
  4. DA bacterial infection
3.Easy

What is the usual target INR for a patient taking warfarin for a deep vein thrombosis?

  1. A1.0–1.5
  2. B2.0–3.0
  3. C4.0–5.0
  4. D0.8–1.2
4.Medium

A patient with suspected pulmonary TB needs sputum samples for acid-fast bacilli. Which instruction is correct?

  1. AGive several samples of nasal mucus blown into a tissue
  2. BGive one sample of saliva collected from the mouth at any time of day
  3. CGive several deep-cough samples, often first thing in the morning
  4. DGive one sample after brushing with mouthwash so it is clean
5.Medium

Which finding during a transfusion suggests transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)?

  1. AA low temperature and slow heart rate
  2. BBack pain with dark red urine output
  3. CCrackles, hypertension and a raised BNP
  4. DHives and itching without other signs
6.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. BChloride, because the drug causes chloride loss
  3. CPotassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  4. DSodium, because the drug causes heavy sodium retention
7.Hard

Four patients had a thyroidectomy earlier today. Which result should the nurse act on first?

  1. AHemoglobin 12.1 g/dL (121 g/L) after surgery
  2. BCalcium 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) with tingling lips
  3. CGlucose 145 mg/dL (8.0 mmol/L) after surgery
  4. DSodium 136 mEq/L on IV fluids after surgery
8.Hard

A young man has a swollen knee after minor trauma. His aPTT is prolonged, but his PT/INR and platelet count are normal. Which condition fits best?

  1. AHemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency)
  2. BDisseminated intravascular coagulation
  3. CVitamin K deficiency from poor diet
  4. DImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Answer key

  1. 1. D · A high platelet count
  2. 2. D · A bacterial infection
  3. 3. B · 2.0–3.0
  4. 4. C · Give several deep-cough samples, often first thing in the morning
  5. 5. C · Crackles, hypertension and a raised BNP
  6. 6. C · Potassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  7. 7. B · Calcium 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) with tingling lips
  8. 8. A · Hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency)

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.