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

In iron-deficiency anemia, the transferrin saturation is usually:

  1. AHigh
  2. BVariable
  3. CLow
  4. DNormal
2.Easy

What does a positive blood or urine ketone test mainly indicate?

  1. AThe patient has a urinary tract infection
  2. BThe kidneys are leaking protein into the urine
  3. CThe liver is producing too much bilirubin
  4. DThe body is breaking down fat for fuel, as in insulin deficiency or starvation
3.Easy

Which statement about HDL cholesterol is correct?

  1. AHigher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  2. BIt is the same as the fasting triglyceride level
  3. CIt should ideally be kept below 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)
  4. DHigher levels are the main cause of plaque in the arteries
4.Medium

Which treatment lowers serum potassium by moving it into the cells?

  1. AIV calcium gluconate given over 10 minutes
  2. BIV regular insulin given with glucose
  3. CIV 0.45% sodium chloride infusion
  4. DOral potassium chloride supplements
5.Medium

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

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

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

  1. ANo bowel movement for 2 days and calm sleep
  2. BA rising serum ammonia with a slower flapping tremor
  3. CTwo to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
  4. DSix to eight watery stools a day with dizziness
7.Hard

A patient on IV gentamicin has a trough level above the target, and the creatinine has risen since yesterday. The next dose is due. What is the best action?

  1. AGive the dose with extra oral fluids to protect the kidneys
  2. BHold the dose and report the results to the prescriber
  3. CGive half of the dose and document the reason for it
  4. DGive the dose now and recheck the levels next week
8.Hard

A health care worker's hepatitis B tests show: HBsAg negative, anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc positive. What does this mean?

  1. AImmunity from vaccination only, never infected
  2. BNot immune and never exposed to the virus
  3. CPast infection that has resolved, with immunity
  4. DCurrent chronic hepatitis B infection

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Low
  2. 2. D · The body is breaking down fat for fuel, as in insulin deficiency or starvation
  3. 3. A · Higher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  4. 4. B · IV regular insulin given with glucose
  5. 5. A · With meals
  6. 6. C · Two to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
  7. 7. B · Hold the dose and report the results to the prescriber
  8. 8. C · Past infection that has resolved, with immunity

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