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

How does active vitamin D (calcitriol) affect calcium?

  1. AIt increases calcium absorption from the gut
  2. BIt blocks calcium absorption from the gut
  3. CIt moves calcium out of the blood into cells
  4. DIt increases calcium loss in the urine
2.Easy

A urine specific gravity of 1.035 most likely suggests:

  1. ANormal urine for every patient
  2. BVery dilute urine, as in diabetes insipidus
  3. CA urinary tract infection
  4. DConcentrated urine, as in dehydration
3.Easy

What is the usual BUN-to-creatinine ratio in a healthy adult (using mg/dL)?

  1. AAbout 1:1 to 2:1
  2. BAbout 10:1 to 20:1
  3. CAbout 50:1 to 60:1
  4. DAbout 100:1 to 200:1
4.Medium

A patient with diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL (2.1 mmol/L). Which treatment is appropriate?

  1. AGlucagon by injection, or IV dextrose as prescribed
  2. BGlucose tablets placed between the patient's teeth
  3. CA dose of rapid-acting insulin to stabilize the glucose
  4. DOrange juice poured slowly into the patient's mouth
5.Medium

A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which laboratory results should the nurse check before the procedure?

  1. ATSH and free T4
  2. BSerum sodium and chloride
  3. CPlatelet count and PT/INR
  4. DHbA1c and lipid panel
6.Medium

A patient with recurrent gout starts allopurinol. Which laboratory result shows that the treatment is achieving its goal?

  1. AA rising white cell count
  2. BA falling serum potassium
  3. CA falling serum uric acid
  4. DA rising serum calcium
7.Hard

A malnourished patient starts eating again and, on day 3, has a phosphate of 1.2 mg/dL (0.39 mmol/L) with muscle weakness and shortness of breath. What is the main risk?

  1. ARapid weight gain, but no serious danger
  2. BHyperkalemia caused by cells releasing potassium
  3. CKidney stones from calcium released by the bones
  4. DWeak breathing muscles and heart failure from low phosphate
8.Hard

A patient on a stable dose of levothyroxine now has a TSH of 9.8 mIU/L. She recently started taking her calcium and iron supplements with her morning levothyroxine. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. AThe result is normal for a person on levothyroxine therapy
  2. BThe supplements are causing an overactive thyroid gland
  3. CThe supplements are reducing levothyroxine absorption
  4. DThe TSH is low, showing that the dose is now too high

Answer key

  1. 1. A · It increases calcium absorption from the gut
  2. 2. D · Concentrated urine, as in dehydration
  3. 3. B · About 10:1 to 20:1
  4. 4. A · Glucagon by injection, or IV dextrose as prescribed
  5. 5. C · Platelet count and PT/INR
  6. 6. C · A falling serum uric acid
  7. 7. D · Weak breathing muscles and heart failure from low phosphate
  8. 8. C · The supplements are reducing levothyroxine absorption

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