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

How does dehydration usually affect the hematocrit?

  1. AIt has no effect
  2. BIt raises it
  3. CIt makes it zero
  4. DIt lowers it
2.Easy

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

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

What is a typical adult reference range for serum magnesium?

  1. AAbout 6.0–8.0 mEq/L (3.0–4.0 mmol/L)
  2. BAbout 0.3–0.7 mEq/L (0.15–0.35 mmol/L)
  3. CAbout 1.3–2.1 mEq/L (0.65–1.05 mmol/L)
  4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L (1.75–2.5 mmol/L)
4.Medium

A trauma patient receives 2 L of IV crystalloid. The hemoglobin falls from 13.0 to 11.4 g/dL (130 to 114 g/L), and the vital signs are now stable. Which explanation is most likely?

  1. AA laboratory error in the first sample
  2. BA sudden failure of the bone marrow
  3. CDilution of the blood by the IV fluid
  4. DIncreased red cell production
5.Medium

A urine culture report states "mixed growth of three organisms, likely contamination." What is the nurse's best response?

  1. ADiscard the report, because a mixed growth is always normal
  2. BInform the provider and arrange a new, correctly collected sample
  3. CRecord the result as a confirmed urinary tract infection
  4. DStart treatment for all three organisms with three antibiotics
6.Medium

A patient takes valproate (valproic acid) for epilepsy. Which tests are monitored regularly?

  1. AThyroid function and serum calcium
  2. BLiver function tests and platelet count
  3. CTroponin and B-type natriuretic peptide
  4. DSerum lithium and urine specific gravity
7.Hard

Which set of results most strongly suggests hemolytic anemia?

  1. ALow hemoglobin, high reticulocytes, high unconjugated bilirubin, high LDH
  2. BLow hemoglobin, low reticulocytes, low MCV, low ferritin
  3. CLow hemoglobin, low platelets, low white cells, low reticulocytes
  4. DLow hemoglobin, high MCV, low vitamin B12, normal bilirubin
8.Hard

A 68-year-old man has fatigue, a hemoglobin of 9.8 g/dL (98 g/L), an MCV of 72 fL and a low ferritin. He eats a normal diet. What is the most important next step?

  1. ARepeat the blood count in one year
  2. BStart vitamin B12 injections
  3. CGive iron and do no further tests at all
  4. DLook for a source of blood loss in the gut

Answer key

  1. 1. B · It raises it
  2. 2. D · About 22–28 mEq/L
  3. 3. C · About 1.3–2.1 mEq/L (0.65–1.05 mmol/L)
  4. 4. C · Dilution of the blood by the IV fluid
  5. 5. B · Inform the provider and arrange a new, correctly collected sample
  6. 6. B · Liver function tests and platelet count
  7. 7. A · Low hemoglobin, high reticulocytes, high unconjugated bilirubin, high LDH
  8. 8. D · Look for a source of blood loss in the gut

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