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

What is the main role of platelets?

  1. ATo produce antibodies against bacteria and viruses
  2. BTo carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
  3. CTo form a plug at the site of vessel injury
  4. DTo break down old red cells in the spleen
2.Easy

In a person with HIV infection, a CD4 count below which level defines AIDS?

  1. A50 cells/µL
  2. B200 cells/µL
  3. C500 cells/µL
  4. D1,000 cells/µL
3.Easy

Which hormone is measured in blood or urine to test for pregnancy?

  1. AThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  2. BFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  3. CAntidiuretic hormone (ADH)
  4. DHuman chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
4.Medium

When should the nurse check the glucose before giving a mealtime dose of rapid-acting insulin (such as lispro)?

  1. AOnly once a day, then giving the same dose before every meal
  2. BAt bedtime only, then giving the mealtime insulin overnight
  3. CJust before the meal, giving insulin when the food is ready
  4. DTwo hours after the meal, then giving the insulin dose
5.Medium

A patient has a calcium of 11.8 mg/dL (2.95 mmol/L) from bone metastases. Which nursing measure is appropriate?

  1. AOffer extra milk and cheese at each meal
  2. BGive calcium carbonate antacids for nausea
  3. CEncourage bed rest and limit oral fluids
  4. DEncourage fluids and mobility as tolerated
6.Medium

An older adult with chronic kidney disease starts trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a urinary tract infection. Which electrolyte should be monitored closely?

  1. ASodium, because the drug causes heavy sodium retention
  2. BChloride, because the drug causes chloride loss
  3. CPotassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  4. DCalcium, because the drug binds calcium in the gut
7.Hard

A patient’s vancomycin trough is 28 mcg/mL; the target set by the prescriber is 15–20 mcg/mL. The next dose is due now. What is the best action?

  1. AGive the dose over a shorter time to reduce exposure
  2. BGive the dose as scheduled and recheck the trough level in a week
  3. CHold the dose, inform the prescriber and check kidney function
  4. DGive a double dose to finish the course faster
8.Hard

A patient with a new deep vein thrombosis is on a heparin infusion, and warfarin has just been started. Why is the heparin continued for several days?

  1. AHeparin increases the absorption of warfarin from the gut
  2. BWarfarin only works when heparin is given at the same time
  3. CWarfarin takes several days to reach its full anticoagulant effect
  4. DHeparin prevents the side effects of warfarin

Answer key

  1. 1. C · To form a plug at the site of vessel injury
  2. 2. B · 200 cells/µL
  3. 3. D · Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
  4. 4. C · Just before the meal, giving insulin when the food is ready
  5. 5. D · Encourage fluids and mobility as tolerated
  6. 6. C · Potassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  7. 7. C · Hold the dose, inform the prescriber and check kidney function
  8. 8. C · Warfarin takes several days to reach its full anticoagulant effect

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