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

What is the purpose of a type and crossmatch before a transfusion?

  1. ATo measure how much iron is stored in the patient's bone marrow
  2. BTo test the donor blood for bacterial contamination only
  3. CTo find out how quickly the patient's blood forms a clot
  4. DTo check that donor blood is compatible with the patient's blood
2.Easy

On a liver panel, "direct bilirubin" refers to which form of bilirubin?

  1. AConjugated bilirubin
  2. BTotal urine urobilinogen
  3. CBilirubin in the stool
  4. DUnconjugated bilirubin
3.Easy

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

  1. A1 mEq/L equals 2 mmol/L for these ions
  2. BThey are equal, because each ion carries a single charge
  3. C1 mEq/L equals 0.5 mmol/L for these ions
  4. DThey cannot be compared, as they measure different things
4.Medium

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

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

Which IV fluid can be given through the same line as a red cell transfusion?

  1. A0.9% sodium chloride
  2. B0.45% sodium chloride
  3. CLactated Ringer's (Hartmann's) solution
  4. D5% dextrose in water
6.Medium

A patient on warfarin for atrial fibrillation has an INR of 1.4. What does this mean?

  1. AThe dose is exactly right and needs no change
  2. BThe patient no longer needs to take warfarin
  3. CAnticoagulation is below target, so clots and stroke are more likely
  4. DThe patient is at a high risk of bleeding and needs vitamin K at once
7.Hard

A patient has a sodium of 150 mEq/L, a glucose of 180 mg/dL and a BUN of 28 mg/dL. Using the formula 2 × Na + glucose/18 + BUN/2.8, what is the calculated serum osmolality?

  1. AAbout 358 mOsm/kg, which is high
  2. BAbout 285 mOsm/kg, which is normal
  3. CAbout 320 mOsm/kg, which is high
  4. DAbout 300 mOsm/kg, which is normal
8.Hard

A patient's potassium is 7.2 mEq/L, and the monitor shows wide QRS complexes. Several treatments are prescribed. Which should be given first?

  1. AIV calcium gluconate (or chloride)
  2. BUrgent hemodialysis session
  3. CAn oral potassium binder dose
  4. DIV furosemide (a loop diuretic)

Answer key

  1. 1. D · To check that donor blood is compatible with the patient's blood
  2. 2. A · Conjugated bilirubin
  3. 3. B · They are equal, because each ion carries a single charge
  4. 4. D · Biotin can distort some immunoassays, such as troponin or TSH
  5. 5. A · 0.9% sodium chloride
  6. 6. C · Anticoagulation is below target, so clots and stroke are more likely
  7. 7. C · About 320 mOsm/kg, which is high
  8. 8. A · IV calcium gluconate (or chloride)

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