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

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

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

Which findings are typical of a low serum magnesium?

  1. AJaundice, itching and pale stools
  2. BPolyuria, extreme thirst and pale urine
  3. CLoss of reflexes, flushing and slow breathing
  4. DTremor, hyperreflexia and cardiac arrhythmias
3.Easy

A serum sodium of 151 mEq/L is called:

  1. AHypernatremia
  2. BHypercalcemia
  3. CHyperkalemia
  4. DHyponatremia
4.Medium

A patient with cirrhosis has an albumin of 2.2 g/dL (22 g/L). Which finding is most likely related?

  1. AEdema and ascites
  2. BHyperkalemia
  3. CIncreased urine output
  4. DHigh blood pressure
5.Medium

Before giving prescribed IV potassium chloride, which assessment is most important?

  1. ASkin turgor on the forearm
  2. BPupil size and reaction to light
  3. CHearing in both ears
  4. DUrine output and kidney function
6.Medium

A patient’s hemoglobin is 7.8 g/dL (78 g/L). Which findings would the nurse expect?

  1. AA slow heart rate, flushed skin and a high blood pressure
  2. BItching, yellow skin and dark urine
  3. CFatigue, pallor, a fast heart rate and breathlessness on exertion
  4. DHeadache, nosebleeds and a red face
7.Hard

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. AGive oral potassium to protect the heart
  2. BFollow the protocol for low glucose and inform the provider
  3. CStop the infusion and leave the glucose recheck until the morning
  4. DContinue at the same rate and recheck in four hours
8.Hard

A patient has fatigue, weight loss, darkening of the skin and low blood pressure. Results: sodium 130 mEq/L, potassium 5.6 mEq/L. Which test pattern would confirm primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)?

  1. AHigh cortisol with a low ACTH
  2. BHigh cortisol with a high ACTH
  3. CLow cortisol with a high ACTH
  4. DLow cortisol with a low ACTH

Answer key

  1. 1. D · It is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut
  2. 2. D · Tremor, hyperreflexia and cardiac arrhythmias
  3. 3. A · Hypernatremia
  4. 4. A · Edema and ascites
  5. 5. D · Urine output and kidney function
  6. 6. C · Fatigue, pallor, a fast heart rate and breathlessness on exertion
  7. 7. B · Follow the protocol for low glucose and inform the provider
  8. 8. C · Low cortisol with a high ACTH

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