Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

In many US nursing references, what is the commonly cited therapeutic range for serum lithium in maintenance therapy?

1. AAbout 0.6–1.2 mEq/L
2. BAbout 10–20 mEq/L
3. CAbout 2.0–3.0 mEq/L
4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L

A raised neutrophil count (neutrophilia) is most typical of:

1. AHay fever and asthma
2. BA mild viral cold
3. CAcute bacterial infection
4. DVitamin B₁₂ deficiency

A patient on warfarin asks what an INR of 2.0 means. Which explanation is best?

1. AYou have twice the normal number of platelets
2. BYour blood clots about twice as fast as is normal
3. CYour warfarin dose is twice what it should be
4. DYour blood takes about twice as long as normal to clot

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a potassium of 5.6 mEq/L. Which food should the nurse advise the patient to limit?

1. AApples
2. BBananas
3. CCabbage
4. DWhite rice

Which instruction is correct for a patient taking an oral potassium chloride supplement?

1. ATake it on an empty stomach with only a small sip of water to speed absorption
2. BUse a salt substitute as well, so less of the tablet is needed each day
3. CCrush the extended-release tablets and mix them with a little water if needed
4. DTake it with food and a full glass of water, and do not crush extended-release tablets

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a magnesium of 3.8 mEq/L (1.9 mmol/L). Which product is the most likely cause?

1. ALoop diuretics such as furosemide
2. BExcess alcohol use over many years
3. CMagnesium-containing laxatives or antacids
4. DProton pump inhibitors taken long term

Which patient’s result should the nurse report first?

1. ACreatinine 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L) in a patient with known stable CKD
2. BTotal cholesterol slightly above target
3. CGlucose 42 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L) in a patient who is sweating and confused
4. DHbA1c 7.4% (57 mmol/mol) in a patient with type 2 diabetes

An 82-year-old woman without a catheter has a urine culture growing bacteria, but no fever, urinary symptoms or change in mental state. What is the best interpretation?

1. APyelonephritis, which needs admission and IV fluids today
2. BA urinary tract infection that needs urgent IV antibiotics
3. CAsymptomatic bacteriuria, usually not treated with antibiotics
4. DContamination, so the culture must be repeated every week