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

What is a typical reference range for the prothrombin time (PT) in a person not taking anticoagulants?

  1. AAbout 3–5 minutes
  2. BAbout 60–90 seconds
  3. CAbout 11–13.5 seconds
  4. DAbout 2–4 seconds
2.Easy

A raised alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in an adult is most closely linked to which cancer?

  1. AProstate adenocarcinoma
  2. BDuctal breast cancer
  3. CHepatocellular (liver) cancer
  4. DBladder urothelial cancer
3.Easy

An older adult is found on the floor after lying there for many hours. Which blood test best shows breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis)?

  1. ASerum albumin
  2. BHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  3. CCreatine kinase (CK)
  4. DSerum lipase
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. BThe test is useless and should always be ignored
  3. CA pulmonary embolism is now certain to be present
  4. DA DVT is confirmed and anticoagulation is needed
5.Medium

On the first day after major surgery, a patient's white cell count is 12.5 × 10³/µL, with no fever or wound signs. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA laboratory error, since surgery lowers white cells
  2. BA sign of leukemia that needs bone marrow testing
  3. CA common stress response to surgery that is monitored
  4. DDefinite wound infection that needs antibiotics now
6.Medium

Why must a low total calcium be interpreted with care in a patient with a low serum albumin?

  1. AAlbumin and calcium are measured with the same chemical reaction, so they always fall together
  2. BMuch calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
  3. CLow albumin makes every calcium test inaccurate and useless
  4. DLow albumin always causes true, symptomatic hypocalcemia
7.Hard

A patient with no kidney problems and a normal ECG has a potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. The laboratory comments that the sample was hemolyzed. What is the best interpretation?

  1. ATreat immediately with insulin and glucose without further checks
  2. BThe patient has kidney failure
  3. CThe potassium is certainly normal and needs no follow-up
  4. DThe result may be falsely high; assess the patient and arrange a repeat sample
8.Hard

A patient started methimazole for hyperthyroidism 6 weeks ago and now has a fever and a severe sore throat. Which action is most important?

  1. ACheck the TSH and double the dose if it is still low
  2. BHold the drug and arrange an urgent white cell and neutrophil count
  3. CAdvise the patient to continue the drug and drink more fluid
  4. DGive the next dose and suggest warm salt-water gargles for comfort

Answer key

  1. 1. C · About 11–13.5 seconds
  2. 2. C · Hepatocellular (liver) cancer
  3. 3. C · Creatine kinase (CK)
  4. 4. A · A DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  5. 5. C · A common stress response to surgery that is monitored
  6. 6. B · Much calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
  7. 7. D · The result may be falsely high; assess the patient and arrange a repeat sample
  8. 8. B · Hold the drug and arrange an urgent white cell and neutrophil count

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