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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What does a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) show?

  1. ADamage to heart muscle within the past few hours
  2. BInflammation somewhere in the body, without showing where
  3. CA low level of iron stored in the bone marrow
  4. DA specific infection of the urinary tract by bacteria
2.Easy

Where are urinary casts formed?

  1. AIn the urethra
  2. BIn the kidney tubules
  3. CIn the ureters
  4. DIn the urinary bladder
3.Easy

Which fasting triglyceride level is commonly described as normal?

  1. ABetween 200 and 499 mg/dL (2.3–5.6 mmol/L)
  2. BAbove 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
  3. CBelow 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  4. DAbove 1,000 mg/dL (11.3 mmol/L)
4.Medium

A patient has a sodium of 124 mEq/L, a headache and new confusion. Which nursing measure is most appropriate?

  1. APut seizure precautions in place and monitor neurological status
  2. BEncourage the patient to drink plenty of plain water
  3. CGive the next dose of the prescribed thiazide diuretic early
  4. DKeep the patient flat and limit neurological checks to once a shift
5.Medium

When should a patient with chronic kidney disease take a phosphate binder such as calcium acetate or sevelamer?

  1. AWith meals
  2. BOnly once a week
  3. COnly when the patient feels unwell
  4. DAt bedtime on an empty stomach
6.Medium

Which factor is most likely to raise a patient’s lithium level?

  1. AEating more salt than usual for several days
  2. BTaking each dose with a meal instead of before
  3. CDrinking more fluid than usual in hot weather
  4. DDehydration or a sudden drop in sodium intake
7.Hard

A patient has marked generalized edema. Results show heavy proteinuria, serum albumin 1.8 g/dL (18 g/L) and total cholesterol 340 mg/dL (8.8 mmol/L). Which condition fits best?

  1. ANephrotic syndrome
  2. BLiver cirrhosis only
  3. CPrerenal kidney injury
  4. DAcute pyelonephritis
8.Hard

Four laboratory results arrive. Which one should the nurse act on first?

  1. AHemoglobin 11.8 g/dL (118 g/L) in a patient with chronic kidney disease
  2. BPotassium 6.6 mEq/L in a patient with CKD who has new muscle weakness
  3. CSodium 137 mEq/L in a patient admitted with pneumonia yesterday
  4. DGlucose 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after a meal in a patient with diabetes

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Inflammation somewhere in the body, without showing where
  2. 2. B · In the kidney tubules
  3. 3. C · Below 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  4. 4. A · Put seizure precautions in place and monitor neurological status
  5. 5. A · With meals
  6. 6. D · Dehydration or a sudden drop in sodium intake
  7. 7. A · Nephrotic syndrome
  8. 8. B · Potassium 6.6 mEq/L in a patient with CKD who has new muscle weakness

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