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 does the red cell distribution width (RDW) describe?

  1. AHow much the red cells vary in size
  2. BHow many red cells are young cells
  3. CHow long red cells survive in the blood
  4. DHow fast the red cells settle in a tube
2.Easy

Which laboratory test is traditionally used to adjust a continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin?

  1. APlatelet function assay (PFA-100 test)
  2. BErythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  3. CActivated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  4. DInternational normalized ratio (INR)
3.Easy

Which antibody test is most specific for rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. AAnti-CCP antibodies
  2. BAntinuclear antibody
  3. CAnti-D antibody
  4. DAnti-HBs antibody
4.Medium

A patient's potassium is 7.0 mEq/L. Which ECG change would the nurse expect?

  1. AFlattened T waves
  2. BTall, peaked T waves
  3. CDelta waves before the QRS
  4. DProminent U waves
5.Medium

Why must a blue-top (citrate) coagulation tube be filled to the correct level?

  1. AThe blood-to-anticoagulant ratio must be right for accurate clotting times
  2. BUnderfilled tubes always give a falsely low hemoglobin and hematocrit
  3. CAn overfull tube is needed to measure the potassium level
  4. DThe laboratory charges extra when a tube is not filled correctly
6.Medium

Which instruction is correct for a patient starting oral iron tablets?

  1. AYour urine will turn bright orange while you take it
  2. BTake each tablet with milk to protect the stomach
  3. CYour stools may turn dark green or black
  4. DTake the tablet with an antacid to improve absorption
7.Hard

A patient has macrocytic anemia with low vitamin B12 and antibodies to intrinsic factor. What does this suggest, and how is it usually treated?

  1. AIron deficiency, treated with oral iron tablets
  2. BFolate deficiency, treated with folic acid only
  3. CPernicious anemia, treated with B12 injections
  4. DHemolytic anemia, treated with blood transfusion
8.Hard

A patient with a round face, central weight gain and purple stretch marks has a glucose of 210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L) and a potassium of 3.1 mEq/L. Which condition fits best?

  1. ADiabetes insipidus
  2. BAdrenal insufficiency
  3. CHypothyroidism
  4. DCushing syndrome

Answer key

  1. 1. A · How much the red cells vary in size
  2. 2. C · Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  3. 3. A · Anti-CCP antibodies
  4. 4. B · Tall, peaked T waves
  5. 5. A · The blood-to-anticoagulant ratio must be right for accurate clotting times
  6. 6. C · Your stools may turn dark green or black
  7. 7. C · Pernicious anemia, treated with B12 injections
  8. 8. D · Cushing syndrome

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