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

A patient who has not eaten for 2 days has ketones in the urine. What is the most likely reason?

  1. AThe bladder has a bacterial infection
  2. BThe liver is making too much glucose
  3. CThe kidneys are leaking protein
  4. DThe body is burning fat for energy
2.Easy

What is a typical reference range for the hematocrit in an adult woman?

  1. AAbout 10–15%
  2. BAbout 20–28%
  3. CAbout 35–45%
  4. DAbout 55–65%
3.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for total serum calcium?

  1. AAbout 1.3–2.1 mg/dL (0.3–0.5 mmol/L)
  2. BAbout 12–16 mg/dL (3.0–4.0 mmol/L)
  3. CAbout 8.5–10.5 mg/dL (2.1–2.6 mmol/L)
  4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mg/dL (0.87–1.25 mmol/L)
4.Medium

A patient has an absolute neutrophil count of 0.4 × 10³/µL. Which measure is appropriate?

  1. AStrict hand hygiene, temperature checks and no visitors with infections
  2. BTaking temperatures rectally because readings are more accurate
  3. CSharing a room with another patient who is being treated for pneumonia
  4. DBringing fresh flowers into the room to lift the patient’s mood
5.Medium

A patient is starting dabigatran, a direct oral anticoagulant. Which laboratory test is most important to review before the first dose?

  1. ALipase, to rule out an inflamed pancreas first
  2. BKidney function (creatinine clearance)
  3. CTSH, to rule out an overactive thyroid gland
  4. DINR, to set the dose of the anticoagulant
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. BMetformin
  3. CAcetaminophen (paracetamol)
  4. DInsulin glargine
7.Hard

Weeks after neck surgery, a patient has muscle cramps and tingling. Calcium is low, phosphate is high and parathyroid hormone (PTH) is low. Which condition fits best?

  1. AVitamin D toxicity
  2. BChronic kidney disease
  3. CHypoparathyroidism
  4. DPrimary hyperparathyroidism
8.Hard

An older adult has bone pain, fatigue and frequent infections. Results show anemia, a calcium of 12.4 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L), a raised total protein and a rising creatinine. Which condition should be suspected?

  1. AIron-deficiency anemia
  2. BPrimary hypothyroidism
  3. CMultiple myeloma
  4. DAcute viral hepatitis

Answer key

  1. 1. D · The body is burning fat for energy
  2. 2. C · About 35–45%
  3. 3. C · About 8.5–10.5 mg/dL (2.1–2.6 mmol/L)
  4. 4. A · Strict hand hygiene, temperature checks and no visitors with infections
  5. 5. B · Kidney function (creatinine clearance)
  6. 6. B · Metformin
  7. 7. C · Hypoparathyroidism
  8. 8. C · Multiple myeloma

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