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

In iron-deficiency anemia, the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is usually:

  1. AAbsent
  2. BHigh
  3. CNormal
  4. DLow
2.Easy

For sodium and potassium, how does 1 mEq/L compare with 1 mmol/L?

  1. AThey are equal, because each ion carries a single charge
  2. BThey cannot be compared, as they measure different things
  3. C1 mEq/L equals 0.5 mmol/L for these ions
  4. D1 mEq/L equals 2 mmol/L for these ions
3.Easy

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

  1. AOnly conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and filtered
  2. BHemolysis stops the kidneys making any urine at all
  3. CUnconjugated bilirubin is broken down in the bladder
  4. DThe kidneys are always damaged in obstructive jaundice
4.Medium

A patient without symptoms has a fasting plasma glucose of 132 mg/dL (7.3 mmol/L) on Monday and 138 mg/dL (7.7 mmol/L) on Thursday. What does this show?

  1. AThe results are within the normal fasting range
  2. BThe results meet the criteria for diabetes
  3. CThe results show reactive hypoglycemia
  4. DThe results show prediabetes only
5.Medium

A patient with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) has a sodium of 128 mEq/L. Which prescribed measure would the nurse expect?

  1. AFluid restriction
  2. BLarge volumes of IV 5% glucose
  3. CA low-sodium diet
  4. DEncouraging extra water intake
6.Medium

A patient's levothyroxine dose was changed today. When is the TSH usually rechecked?

  1. AAfter about 3 days
  2. BAfter about 6–8 weeks
  3. CAfter about 24 hours
  4. DAfter about 1 year
7.Hard

A patient on clozapine for 2 years has been stable. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I'll report a sore throat or fever at once"
  2. B"I can stop my blood tests since I feel well"
  3. C"I'll tell other doctors that I take clozapine"
  4. D"I'll keep all my scheduled blood test visits"
8.Hard

A patient with a round face, central weight gain and purple stretch marks has a glucose of 210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L) and a potassium of 3.1 mEq/L. Which condition fits best?

  1. AAdrenal insufficiency
  2. BDiabetes insipidus
  3. CCushing syndrome
  4. DHypothyroidism

Answer key

  1. 1. B · High
  2. 2. A · They are equal, because each ion carries a single charge
  3. 3. A · Only conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and filtered
  4. 4. B · The results meet the criteria for diabetes
  5. 5. A · Fluid restriction
  6. 6. B · After about 6–8 weeks
  7. 7. B · "I can stop my blood tests since I feel well"
  8. 8. C · Cushing syndrome

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