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

Lactate is mainly produced when cells:

  1. ABreak down glucose without enough oxygen
  2. BStore glucose as glycogen in the muscles
  3. CBreak down protein in the liver for energy
  4. DBreak down fat completely with oxygen
2.Easy

When is a vancomycin trough level drawn?

  1. AJust before the next dose, usually within 30 minutes of it
  2. BTwo hours after the start of the infusion
  3. CImmediately after the infusion has finished running
  4. DAt any convenient time of day, regardless of when the dose is due
3.Easy

What is the purpose of a type and crossmatch before a transfusion?

  1. ATo measure how much iron is stored in the patient's bone marrow
  2. BTo check that donor blood is compatible with the patient's blood
  3. CTo test the donor blood for bacterial contamination only
  4. DTo find out how quickly the patient's blood forms a clot
4.Medium

A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which finding best shows that the treatment is effective?

  1. ANo bowel movement for 2 days and calm sleep
  2. BTwo to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
  3. CA rising serum ammonia with a slower flapping tremor
  4. DSix to eight watery stools a day with dizziness
5.Medium

A patient is starting atorvastatin. Which laboratory test is usually checked at baseline?

  1. ALiver enzymes
  2. BSerum lipase
  3. CThyroid antibodies
  4. DBlood cultures
6.Medium

A urine culture is ordered for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. How should the nurse collect the sample?

  1. AAspirate from the sampling port with a sterile syringe
  2. BPour urine from the drainage bag into a sterile cup
  3. CDisconnect the catheter from the tubing and let it drain
  4. DRemove the catheter and culture the catheter tip
7.Hard

A young woman with frequent self-induced vomiting has swollen salivary glands. Which laboratory pattern is most likely?

  1. AHigh potassium, low bicarbonate and low amylase
  2. BLow sodium, low bicarbonate and high lipase
  3. CLow potassium, high bicarbonate and high amylase
  4. DHigh calcium, high phosphate and high glucose
8.Hard

An aPTT result is extremely high, but the nurse learns that the sample was taken from the arm where the heparin infusion runs. What is the best action?

  1. ARequest a new sample from the opposite arm before the dose is adjusted
  2. BGive protamine at once to reverse the heparin
  3. CStop the heparin infusion permanently and inform the provider
  4. DAccept the result and halve the infusion rate

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Break down glucose without enough oxygen
  2. 2. A · Just before the next dose, usually within 30 minutes of it
  3. 3. B · To check that donor blood is compatible with the patient's blood
  4. 4. B · Two to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
  5. 5. A · Liver enzymes
  6. 6. A · Aspirate from the sampling port with a sterile syringe
  7. 7. C · Low potassium, high bicarbonate and high amylase
  8. 8. A · Request a new sample from the opposite arm before the dose is adjusted

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