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 does a creatinine clearance measured from a 24-hour urine collection estimate?

  1. AThe amount of protein lost from the blood
  2. BThe rate of red cell production
  3. CThe concentrating ability of the urine
  4. DThe glomerular filtration rate
2.Easy

A patient on warfarin asks what an INR of 2.0 means. Which explanation is best?

  1. AYour blood clots about twice as fast as is normal
  2. BYour blood takes about twice as long as normal to clot
  3. CYou have twice the normal number of platelets
  4. DYour warfarin dose is twice what it should be
3.Easy

Which tube additive is used for a complete blood count (CBC)?

  1. AEDTA (usually a lavender or purple top)
  2. BNo additive, clot activator (red top)
  3. CSodium citrate (usually a light blue top)
  4. DSodium fluoride (usually a gray top)
4.Medium

A patient taking empagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) has glucose in the urine but a normal blood glucose. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA urinary tract infection
  2. BUncontrolled diabetes needing insulin
  3. CA sign of kidney failure
  4. DAn expected effect of the drug
5.Medium

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

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

A patient has a calcium of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L) and tingling around the mouth. Which nursing measure is most appropriate?

  1. APromote walking to move calcium back into the bone
  2. BPut seizure precautions in place and report the result
  3. CEncourage 3 L of fluid per day to dilute the calcium
  4. DLimit dairy products until the level falls again
7.Hard

A patient on lithium has had vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days and has been taking ibuprofen. They now have a coarse tremor and confusion. The lithium level is 2.2 mEq/L. What is the best interpretation and action?

  1. AIbuprofen side effects only; give it with food
  2. BA low level; ask for the lithium dose to be raised
  3. CA normal level; continue lithium as prescribed
  4. DLithium toxicity; hold lithium and report urgently
8.Hard

During surgery under general anesthesia, a patient develops a rising end-tidal CO2, muscle rigidity and tachycardia, then a high potassium and a rising temperature. Which condition is most likely?

  1. AMalignant hyperthermia
  2. BAcute hemolytic transfusion reaction
  3. CHypoglycemia from fasting
  4. DHypovolemic shock

Answer key

  1. 1. D · The glomerular filtration rate
  2. 2. B · Your blood takes about twice as long as normal to clot
  3. 3. A · EDTA (usually a lavender or purple top)
  4. 4. D · An expected effect of the drug
  5. 5. C · IV regular insulin given with glucose
  6. 6. B · Put seizure precautions in place and report the result
  7. 7. D · Lithium toxicity; hold lithium and report urgently
  8. 8. A · Malignant hyperthermia

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