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

What does a drug’s “peak” level measure?

  1. AThe average level over a week
  2. BThe lowest blood concentration before the next dose
  3. CThe highest blood concentration after a dose
  4. DThe level at which the drug becomes toxic
2.Easy

Why can bilirubin appear in the urine in obstructive jaundice but not in hemolytic jaundice?

  1. AHemolysis stops the kidneys making any urine at all
  2. BThe kidneys are always damaged in obstructive jaundice
  3. CUnconjugated bilirubin is broken down in the bladder
  4. DOnly conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and filtered
3.Easy

Uric acid in the blood is a breakdown product of:

  1. APurines
  2. BFats
  3. CGlucose
  4. DHemoglobin
4.Medium

A patient has a hot, swollen big toe. The serum uric acid is normal. Which statement is correct?

  1. AGout is still possible, as urate can be normal in an attack
  2. BGout is ruled out, as uric acid is always high in an attack
  3. CGout can only be diagnosed with a CT scan of the foot
  4. DGout is certain, as a normal urate proves the diagnosis
5.Medium

Which treatment lowers serum potassium by moving it into the cells?

  1. AIV 0.45% sodium chloride infusion
  2. BIV calcium gluconate given over 10 minutes
  3. CIV regular insulin given with glucose
  4. DOral potassium chloride supplements
6.Medium

A patient on phenytoin has a level of 28 mcg/mL (usual range about 10–20 mcg/mL). Which findings would the nurse expect?

  1. AHyperactive behavior and insomnia only
  2. BTall, peaked T waves
  3. CNystagmus, unsteady gait and slurred speech
  4. DHunger and weight gain
7.Hard

On the evening after surgery, a patient’s hemoglobin has fallen from 12.5 g/dL to 8.1 g/dL (125 to 81 g/L), and the heart rate is 118/min. What is the most likely problem?

  1. ANormal dilution after surgery that needs no action
  2. BBleeding
  3. CDehydration
  4. DAn improving condition
8.Hard

Why can an HbA1c result be misleading in a patient who received a large blood transfusion two weeks ago?

  1. AMany red cells are donor cells, not exposed to the patient’s glucose
  2. BHbA1c measures sugar on white cells, not red cells
  3. CTransfusions always raise HbA1c to falsely high levels
  4. DHbA1c is accurate in every situation

Answer key

  1. 1. C · The highest blood concentration after a dose
  2. 2. D · Only conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and filtered
  3. 3. A · Purines
  4. 4. A · Gout is still possible, as urate can be normal in an attack
  5. 5. C · IV regular insulin given with glucose
  6. 6. C · Nystagmus, unsteady gait and slurred speech
  7. 7. B · Bleeding
  8. 8. A · Many red cells are donor cells, not exposed to the patient’s glucose

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