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

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

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

Which gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

  1. AThe thyroid gland itself
  2. BThe parathyroid glands
  3. CThe anterior pituitary gland
  4. DThe adrenal cortex
3.Easy

An older adult is found on the floor after lying there for many hours. Which blood test best shows breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis)?

  1. ACreatine kinase (CK)
  2. BHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  3. CSerum lipase
  4. DSerum albumin
4.Medium

A patient with HIV on antiretroviral therapy has an undetectable viral load. What does this mean?

  1. AThe treatment is suppressing the virus very well
  2. BThe treatment can now be stopped without any risk
  3. CThe virus has been completely cured and removed
  4. DThe CD4 count must now be dangerously low too
5.Medium

A patient receives subcutaneous enoxaparin (a low-molecular-weight heparin). Which statement about monitoring is correct?

  1. ANo blood tests of any kind are ever needed
  2. BThe INR is used to adjust each dose, as with warfarin
  3. CNo routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  4. DThe aPTT must be checked every 6 hours to adjust the dose
6.Medium

A patient takes high-dose furosemide. Besides potassium, which electrolyte is most commonly lowered?

  1. APhosphate
  2. BSodium bicarbonate
  3. CMagnesium
  4. DUric acid
7.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient with severe neutropenia after chemotherapy. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I'll check my temperature rectally to be accurate"
  2. B"I'll wash my hands before eating and after the toilet"
  3. C"I'll avoid people who have a cold or the flu"
  4. D"I'll call the clinic if my temperature rises"
8.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient about the HbA1c test. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"My daily finger-stick readings still matter between the tests"
  2. B"I must not eat anything for 12 hours before the HbA1c test"
  3. C"A lower result means less risk of damage to my eyes and kidneys"
  4. D"The test shows my average glucose over the past few months"

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Below 7% (53 mmol/mol)
  2. 2. C · The anterior pituitary gland
  3. 3. A · Creatine kinase (CK)
  4. 4. A · The treatment is suppressing the virus very well
  5. 5. C · No routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  6. 6. C · Magnesium
  7. 7. A · "I'll check my temperature rectally to be accurate"
  8. 8. B · "I must not eat anything for 12 hours before the HbA1c test"

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