Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A raised serum uric acid is most closely linked to which condition?

1. AOsteoporosis
2. BGout
3. CHypothyroidism
4. DIron-deficiency anemia

Which fasting blood glucose is within the typical normal range for an adult without diabetes?

1. A140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
2. B85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L)
3. C45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L)
4. D210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L)

Which blood test is usually the first test used to screen thyroid function?

1. ASerum calcium
2. BSerum cortisol
3. CHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
4. DThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

A patient's potassium is unexpectedly 5.8 mEq/L. The sample was taken after the tourniquet was on for several minutes while the patient pumped their fist. What is the best interpretation?

1. AFist pumping lowers potassium, so the true level is even higher
2. BTourniquet time affects only the glucose result, not the potassium
3. CThe result may be falsely high and should be repeated with better technique
4. DThe result confirms true hyperkalemia and needs no further checking

A patient taking spironolactone asks about using a salt substitute. What should the nurse explain?

1. ASalt substitutes are fine as long as the patient drinks more water
2. BSalt substitutes are safe because they contain only sodium chloride
3. CMost salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high
4. DSalt substitutes protect against the potassium loss caused by this drug

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

1. AUse a salt substitute as well, so less of the tablet is needed each day
2. BTake it on an empty stomach with only a small sip of water to speed absorption
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

The nurse teaches a patient with iron-deficiency anemia who is starting oral iron. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A"I'll keep the tablets out of reach of the children"
2. B"I'll take my iron tablet with a big glass of milk"
3. C"I can take it with orange juice to help absorption"
4. D"My stools may look darker while I take the tablets"

A patient in DKA is receiving IV fluids and insulin. The glucose has fallen to about 220 mg/dL (12.2 mmol/L), but the anion gap is still high. What change would the nurse expect?

1. AStop the IV fluids and start oral fluids only
2. BStop the insulin infusion because the glucose is near normal
3. CAdd dextrose to the IV fluids and continue the insulin
4. DGive an IV bolus of sodium bicarbonate at once