Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Why is serum creatinine a better marker of kidney function than BUN?

1. AIt is not filtered by the kidneys, so its level stays very stable
2. BIt is affected mainly by protein intake, which is easy to control
3. CIt is made by the liver, so it rises in every kind of illness
4. DIt is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut

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

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

A urine dipstick is positive for leukocyte esterase. What does this show?

1. ARed blood cells are present in the urine
2. BWhite blood cells are present in the urine
3. CBilirubin is being passed in the urine
4. DProtein is leaking through the glomeruli

A patient on peritoneal dialysis notices that the drained fluid is cloudy and has abdominal pain. What should the nurse do?

1. ARecord it as normal and continue the usual exchanges
2. BAdd more glucose to the next bag to clear the fluid
3. CSend the fluid for cell count and culture and report it
4. DStop dialysis for a week and recheck the fluid later

A healthy woman at 28 weeks of pregnancy has a mildly lower hemoglobin than before pregnancy, with a normal MCV and ferritin. What is the most likely explanation?

1. AThe fetus is destroying the mother's red cells in the circulation
2. BPregnancy hormones stop the bone marrow from making red cells
3. CPlasma volume rises more than red cell mass, diluting the blood
4. DIron is being lost through the kidneys during the pregnancy

A patient starts high-dose prednisone. Which laboratory change should the nurse expect?

1. AA rise in serum potassium
2. BA rise in blood glucose
3. CA fall in the white cell count
4. DA fall in serum sodium

Which set of results is most typical of iron-deficiency anemia?

1. AHigh hemoglobin and high hematocrit
2. BLow hemoglobin, large red cells (high MCV) and high ferritin
3. CLow hemoglobin, small red cells (low MCV) and low ferritin
4. DNormal hemoglobin with a high platelet count only

A patient has fatigue, weight gain and constipation. Results: TSH 24 mIU/L, free T₄ low, total cholesterol 285 mg/dL (7.4 mmol/L), sodium 131 mEq/L. What is the best interpretation?

1. AHyperthyroidism, with suppressed thyroid hormone production
2. BPrimary hypothyroidism, which can raise lipids and lower sodium
3. CSecondary hypothyroidism from failure of the pituitary gland
4. DFamilial hypercholesterolemia, unrelated to the thyroid results