Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

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

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

What is a typical adult reference range for serum magnesium?

1. AAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L (1.75–2.5 mmol/L)
2. BAbout 6.0–8.0 mEq/L (3.0–4.0 mmol/L)
3. CAbout 0.3–0.7 mEq/L (0.15–0.35 mmol/L)
4. DAbout 1.3–2.1 mEq/L (0.65–1.05 mmol/L)

What does a creatinine clearance measured from a 24-hour urine collection estimate?

1. AThe concentrating ability of the urine
2. BThe glomerular filtration rate
3. CThe amount of protein lost from the blood
4. DThe rate of red cell production

Why must vitamin B₁₂ deficiency be ruled out before treating macrocytic anemia with folic acid alone?

1. AFolic acid makes B₁₂ deficiency anemia much worse within a few days
2. BFolic acid blocks the absorption of all B₁₂ from the diet
3. CFolic acid can fix the anemia while B₁₂-related nerve damage continues
4. DFolic acid causes iron overload when B₁₂ levels are low

A patient has had severe watery diarrhea for 4 days. Which laboratory pattern would the nurse expect?

1. AHigh sodium and high calcium
2. BLow potassium and low bicarbonate
3. CLow glucose and high magnesium
4. DHigh potassium and high bicarbonate

Which instruction is correct for a patient starting oral iron tablets?

1. ATake the tablet with an antacid to improve absorption
2. BTake each tablet with milk to protect the stomach
3. CYour urine will turn bright orange while you take it
4. DYour stools may turn dark green or black

A patient on long-term amiodarone has fatigue and weight gain. TSH is 11 mIU/L and the free T₄ is low. What is the most likely explanation?

1. AAmiodarone-induced hypothyroidism
2. BSecondary hypothyroidism from pituitary failure
3. CAmiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism
4. DA normal response to amiodarone needing no action

A patient has fever, chills, flank pain and costovertebral angle tenderness. Urinalysis shows many white cells and white cell casts. Which condition is most likely?

1. AGlomerulonephritis
2. BAcute pyelonephritis
3. CNephrotic syndrome
4. DSimple cystitis