Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A laboratory reports that a blood sample is "hemolyzed." What does this mean?

1. AThe sample contains too many platelets
2. BRed cells in the sample have broken open
3. CThe sample has a very low hemoglobin
4. DThe sample was taken from an artery

A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) of at least which value is usually called moderately increased albuminuria?

1. A30 mg/g (3 mg/mmol)
2. B3,000 mg/g (300 mg/mmol)
3. C300 mg/dL (3 mg/mL)
4. D3 mg/g (0.3 mg/mmol)

The HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose over about which period?

1. AThe past 1–2 years
2. BThe past 2–3 months
3. CThe past 1–2 weeks
4. DThe past 24 hours

An older adult with chronic kidney disease takes glyburide (glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea) and has repeated low glucose readings. Why is this a concern?

1. AThe drug causes high potassium that lowers the glucose
2. BThe drug stops working entirely when the kidneys fail
3. CThe drug and its metabolites build up and cause long lows
4. DThe drug makes the glucose meter read falsely low

A patient with schizophrenia is starting clozapine. Which laboratory value must be monitored regularly?

1. AAbsolute neutrophil count
2. BSerum lithium level
3. CInternational normalized ratio
4. DSerum amylase

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

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

A patient on an IV insulin infusion has a blood glucose of 65 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L). What is the best action?

1. AContinue at the same rate and recheck in four hours
2. BGive oral potassium to protect the heart
3. CFollow the protocol for low glucose and inform the provider
4. DStop the infusion and leave the glucose recheck until the morning

A patient stopped long-term prednisone suddenly a week ago. Now: blood pressure 78/46 mm Hg, sodium 128 mEq/L, potassium 4.6 mEq/L, glucose 58 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L). Which condition is most likely?

1. APrimary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome)
2. BAcute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis)
3. CCushing syndrome from steroid excess
4. DSyndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)