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

Lactate is mainly produced when cells:

  1. ABreak down fat completely with oxygen
  2. BBreak down protein in the liver for energy
  3. CStore glucose as glycogen in the muscles
  4. DBreak down glucose without enough oxygen
2.Easy

What does the specificity of a diagnostic test describe?

  1. AThe proportion of people without the disease who test negative
  2. BThe total number of people who take the test each year
  3. CThe cost of the test compared with other tests
  4. DThe proportion of people with the disease who test positive
3.Easy

Which blood test is usually the first test used to screen thyroid function?

  1. AThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  2. BHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  3. CSerum calcium
  4. DSerum cortisol
4.Medium

A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which finding best shows that the treatment is effective?

  1. ASix to eight watery stools a day with dizziness
  2. BTwo to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
  3. CNo bowel movement for 2 days and calm sleep
  4. DA rising serum ammonia with a slower flapping tremor
5.Medium

Why do patients with chronic kidney disease often have anemia?

  1. AHigh potassium in kidney disease breaks down red cells
  2. BThe damaged kidneys filter out and destroy red blood cells
  3. CUremic toxins make the bone marrow produce white cells instead of red cells
  4. DThe kidneys make less erythropoietin, which drives red cell production
6.Medium

A patient with iron-deficiency anemia started oral iron. Which result is usually the earliest sign that treatment is working?

  1. AA fall in the mean cell volume (MCV)
  2. BA rise in the reticulocyte count
  3. CA rise in the platelet count
  4. DA fall in the white cell count
7.Hard

A patient on a heparin infusion has a platelet count that falls from 260 to 110 × 10³/µL on day 7. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. AContinue the infusion and increase the rate as per protocol
  2. BTake no action, because the count is still just above 100 × 10³/µL
  3. CReport it at once: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is possible
  4. DGive a platelet transfusion and continue the heparin
8.Hard

A patient with heart failure takes lisinopril, spironolactone and a potassium supplement. Today the potassium is 6.0 mEq/L. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. APotassium supplements have no effect on the serum level
  2. BSpironolactone causes potassium loss
  3. CLisinopril lowers potassium
  4. DSeveral medicines that raise potassium are being taken together

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Break down glucose without enough oxygen
  2. 2. A · The proportion of people without the disease who test negative
  3. 3. A · Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  4. 4. B · Two to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
  5. 5. D · The kidneys make less erythropoietin, which drives red cell production
  6. 6. B · A rise in the reticulocyte count
  7. 7. C · Report it at once: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is possible
  8. 8. D · Several medicines that raise potassium are being taken together

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