Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A urine dipstick is positive for leukocyte esterase. What does this show?

1. AProtein is leaking through the glomeruli
2. BRed blood cells are present in the urine
3. CWhite blood cells are present in the urine
4. DBilirubin is being passed in the urine

A raised eosinophil count is most typical of:

1. AViral infections such as glandular fever
2. BAcute bacterial pneumonia and sepsis
3. CAllergic conditions and parasitic infections
4. DAcute blood loss after trauma

A raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is most typical of:

1. ALow production of hormone by the thyroid gland
2. BAcute damage to the heart muscle
3. CInflammation of the lining of the urinary bladder
4. DBlocked bile flow or increased bone turnover

The laboratory phones the ward with a critical potassium result of 6.9 mEq/L. What should the nurse do?

1. AWait for the written report to arrive before taking any action at all
2. BAsk the laboratory to repeat the test before telling anyone
3. CRecord the value and hand it over to the next shift
4. DRead back the value, assess the patient and inform the provider

A patient who has been vomiting for two days has a BUN of 32 mg/dL (urea 11.4 mmol/L) and a normal creatinine. What is the most likely cause?

1. AOverhydration
2. BDehydration
3. CLiver failure
4. DLow-protein diet

A patient is on an IV insulin infusion protocol in the ICU. How often is the blood glucose usually checked?

1. AAbout every hour
2. BOnly if symptoms occur
3. COnce a day before breakfast
4. DOnce every 12 hours

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

A patient with a large, fast-growing lymphoma will start chemotherapy tomorrow. Which plan best prevents tumor lysis syndrome?

1. ANo special measures, because the risk starts only after a week
2. BFluid restriction and a high-potassium diet before the treatment
3. CCalcium supplements and a high-phosphate diet during treatment
4. DIV hydration, a uric acid-lowering drug and frequent electrolytes