Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Where are urinary casts formed?

1. AIn the urethra
2. BIn the ureters
3. CIn the urinary bladder
4. DIn the kidney tubules

What does a positive direct antiglobulin test (direct Coombs test) show?

1. AThe patient's plasma is missing the clotting factor VIII
2. BThe patient's platelets are clumping together in the blood sample
3. CThe patient's red cells are too small and contain little hemoglobin
4. DAntibodies or complement are attached to the patient's red cells

What is a typical adult reference range for serum bicarbonate (total CO₂) on a metabolic panel?

1. AAbout 98–106 mEq/L
2. BAbout 22–28 mEq/L
3. CAbout 8–12 mEq/L
4. DAbout 35–45 mEq/L

A patient on a heparin infusion has an aPTT below the target range on the protocol. What should the nurse do?

1. ASwitch the infusion to oral warfarin without a prescription
2. BStop the infusion and give protamine sulfate as quickly as possible
3. CAdjust the rate as the protocol directs and recheck as scheduled
4. DContinue the same rate and recheck the aPTT in a few days

A patient with sepsis has a lactate of 2.1 mmol/L on admission and 4.3 mmol/L two hours later, despite IV fluids. What does this suggest?

1. AA normal response to IV fluids in the first hours
2. BExpected muscle activity from shivering in fever
3. CWorsening tissue perfusion that needs urgent reporting
4. DImproving circulation as the fluids start to work

How does IV calcium gluconate help a patient with severe hyperkalemia?

1. AIt moves potassium from the blood into the cells
2. BIt stabilizes heart cell membranes without lowering potassium
3. CIt increases potassium excretion by the kidneys
4. DIt binds potassium in the gut so that it is passed in the stool

A patient with a large, fast-growing lymphoma will start chemotherapy tomorrow. Which plan best prevents tumor lysis syndrome?

1. AFluid restriction and a high-potassium diet before the treatment
2. BIV hydration, a uric acid-lowering drug and frequent electrolytes
3. CCalcium supplements and a high-phosphate diet during treatment
4. DNo special measures, because the risk starts only after a week

A patient with acute kidney injury has a potassium of 6.8 mEq/L despite medical treatment, a pH of 7.12 and pulmonary edema not responding to diuretics. Which treatment is most likely needed?

1. AA potassium supplement
2. BAn IV magnesium dose
3. CMore oral fluid
4. DUrgent dialysis