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

A urine dipstick is positive for nitrites. What does this most likely show?

  1. AGlucose spilling into the urine from high blood levels
  2. BBacteria in the urine that convert nitrate to nitrite
  3. CRed blood cells leaking from the glomeruli
  4. DKetones produced from fat breakdown in fasting
2.Easy

For many non-pregnant adults with diabetes, which HbA1c target is commonly recommended?

  1. ABelow 7% (53 mmol/mol)
  2. BAbove 9% (75 mmol/mol)
  3. CBelow 10% (86 mmol/mol)
  4. DBelow 4% (20 mmol/mol)
3.Easy

A raised B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level most strongly supports which condition in a breathless patient?

  1. APanic attack
  2. BHeart failure
  3. CPneumonia
  4. DAsthma attack
4.Medium

A patient on carbamazepine becomes confused and has a headache. Which laboratory result would most likely explain this?

  1. AA high serum potassium
  2. BA low serum sodium
  3. CA low serum magnesium
  4. DA high serum calcium
5.Medium

A patient takes high-dose biotin supplements for hair and nails. Why should the nurse report this before blood tests?

  1. ABiotin causes a true rise in blood glucose in all patients
  2. BBiotin can distort some immunoassays, such as troponin or TSH
  3. CBiotin makes the blood clot in the tube before testing
  4. DBiotin lowers the hemoglobin by destroying the red cells
6.Medium

Which group of findings fits hypercalcemia?

  1. AConstipation, fatigue, confusion and kidney stones
  2. BThirst with very dilute urine as the only signs
  3. CPeaked T waves and muscle weakness only
  4. DTetany, muscle cramps and a positive Chvostek’s sign
7.Hard

A woman with preeclampsia is receiving IV magnesium sulfate. Her urine output has fallen and her creatinine is rising. Why is this a concern?

  1. AMagnesium causes potassium loss, so the kidneys release more fluid
  2. BMagnesium is broken down by the liver, so it will stop working soon
  3. CPoor kidney function makes the magnesium level fall quickly
  4. DMagnesium is excreted by the kidneys, so it can build up to toxic levels
8.Hard

After a crush injury, a patient's urine dipstick is strongly positive for blood, but microscopy shows almost no red cells. CK is very high. What best explains this?

  1. AMyoglobin from damaged muscle is in the urine
  2. BA kidney stone is scraping the ureter lining
  3. CBleeding is coming from the bladder lining
  4. DThe sample was contaminated with menstrual blood

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Bacteria in the urine that convert nitrate to nitrite
  2. 2. A · Below 7% (53 mmol/mol)
  3. 3. B · Heart failure
  4. 4. B · A low serum sodium
  5. 5. B · Biotin can distort some immunoassays, such as troponin or TSH
  6. 6. A · Constipation, fatigue, confusion and kidney stones
  7. 7. D · Magnesium is excreted by the kidneys, so it can build up to toxic levels
  8. 8. A · Myoglobin from damaged muscle is in the urine

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