Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Which is the main cation in the fluid inside the cells?

1. AChloride
2. BCalcium
3. CPotassium
4. DSodium

In a person with HIV infection, a CD4 count below which level defines AIDS?

1. A500 cells/µL
2. B1,000 cells/µL
3. C200 cells/µL
4. D50 cells/µL

A patient who has not eaten for 2 days has ketones in the urine. What is the most likely reason?

1. AThe bladder has a bacterial infection
2. BThe body is burning fat for energy
3. CThe liver is making too much glucose
4. DThe kidneys are leaking protein

A patient's potassium is unexpectedly 5.8 mEq/L. The sample was taken after the tourniquet was on for several minutes while the patient pumped their fist. What is the best interpretation?

1. ATourniquet time affects only the glucose result, not the potassium
2. BFist pumping lowers potassium, so the true level is even higher
3. CThe result confirms true hyperkalemia and needs no further checking
4. DThe result may be falsely high and should be repeated with better technique

A patient is on an IV insulin infusion protocol in the ICU. How often is the blood glucose usually checked?

1. AOnly if symptoms occur
2. BOnce every 12 hours
3. CAbout every hour
4. DOnce a day before breakfast

A stool test for Clostridioides difficile is ordered. Which sample is appropriate?

1. AA rectal swab from a patient with constipation
2. BAn unformed (liquid or soft) stool
3. CA formed, hard stool sample
4. DAny stool after a laxative dose

Two weeks after a sore throat, a child develops dark (cola-colored) urine, puffy eyes and high blood pressure. Urinalysis shows red cell casts and protein. Which condition is most likely?

1. AKidney stone in the ureter
2. BPrerenal acute kidney injury
3. CLower urinary tract infection (cystitis)
4. DPost-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

A patient with diabetes had a glucose of 58 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L), took 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate and, 15 minutes later, the glucose is 64 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L). The patient is alert. What should the nurse do next?

1. AWait until the next meal before giving anything
2. BGive another 15 g of fast carbohydrate and recheck
3. CGive a protein snack only and recheck tomorrow
4. DGive a long-acting insulin dose to stabilize it