Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What is a "critical value" (panic value) in laboratory reporting?

1. AAny result that is slightly outside the laboratory reference range
2. BA result that the laboratory could not measure because of a bad sample
3. CA result so abnormal that it may threaten life and needs prompt action
4. DA result that is normal but differs from the patient's last value

An older adult is found on the floor after lying there for many hours. Which blood test best shows breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis)?

1. ACreatine kinase (CK)
2. BSerum albumin
3. CSerum lipase
4. DHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Which liver test rises mainly when liver cells are damaged?

1. ABlood urea nitrogen (BUN)
2. BALT (alanine aminotransferase)
3. CHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
4. DCreatine kinase (CK)

When should a blood sample for a digoxin level be drawn to be interpreted correctly?

1. AWithin 30 minutes after an oral dose to show the peak level
2. BOnly after a meal, because food is needed for absorption
3. CAt any time, because digoxin levels do not change during the day
4. DAt least 6–8 hours after a dose, often just before the next one

A patient on levothyroxine has palpitations, weight loss and a TSH of 0.05 mIU/L. What is the most likely explanation?

1. AThe thyroid is now completely normal
2. BThe patient has stopped the drug
3. CThe levothyroxine dose is too high
4. DThe levothyroxine dose is too low

A patient taking phenazopyridine for bladder pain has bright orange urine. What should the nurse know about urine tests?

1. AThe dye can interfere with dipstick color readings
2. BThe color shows severe liver failure is present
3. CThe color proves blood is present in the urine
4. DThe drug improves the accuracy of all dipsticks

A patient with diabetes had a glucose of 58 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L), took 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate and, 15 minutes later, the glucose is 64 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L). The patient is alert. What should the nurse do next?

1. AGive another 15 g of fast carbohydrate and recheck
2. BWait until the next meal before giving anything
3. CGive a protein snack only and recheck tomorrow
4. DGive a long-acting insulin dose to stabilize it

A patient's AST is about twice the ALT, both moderately raised, and the GGT is high. Which cause is most likely?

1. AGallstone blocking the bile duct
2. BAcute viral hepatitis A
3. CAlcohol-related liver disease
4. DAcute myocardial infarction