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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

A urine specific gravity of 1.035 most likely suggests:

  1. AVery dilute urine, as in diabetes insipidus
  2. BA urinary tract infection
  3. CNormal urine for every patient
  4. DConcentrated urine, as in dehydration
2.Easy

Serum amylase is less specific than lipase for pancreatitis because amylase also comes from:

  1. AThe thyroid gland
  2. BThe bone marrow
  3. CThe heart muscle
  4. DThe salivary glands
3.Easy

Which statement about HDL cholesterol is correct?

  1. AIt should ideally be kept below 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)
  2. BHigher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  3. CHigher levels are the main cause of plaque in the arteries
  4. DIt is the same as the fasting triglyceride level
4.Medium

A patient scheduled for surgery this morning has a potassium of 3.0 mEq/L on pre-operative tests. What should the nurse do?

  1. ARepeat the test after the surgery is finished
  2. BReport it to the surgical team before surgery
  3. CSend the patient to surgery without comment
  4. DGive an oral potassium dose without a prescription
5.Medium

A patient receiving chemotherapy has an ANC of 300/µL and a new temperature of 38.3 °C (100.9 °F). What should the nurse do first?

  1. AReport it at once so cultures and antibiotics start quickly
  2. BGive acetaminophen (paracetamol) and recheck the temperature in 4 hours
  3. CRemove extra blankets and offer a tepid sponge bath
  4. DEncourage oral fluids and record the fever in the chart
6.Medium

A patient has weight loss, tremor and heat intolerance. Which thyroid test pattern fits Graves disease?

  1. ALow TSH with a high free T4
  2. BHigh TSH with a low free T4
  3. CNormal TSH with a low free T4
  4. DHigh TSH with a normal free T4
7.Hard

A patient with heavy alcohol use and a poor diet has a hemoglobin of 10.1 g/dL (101 g/L), an MCV of 110 fL and a low red cell folate. Which explanation fits best?

  1. AAnemia caused by long-standing chronic kidney disease
  2. BIron deficiency from slow, chronic bleeding in the gut
  3. CThalassemia trait inherited from one of the parents
  4. DFolate deficiency, made worse by a direct alcohol effect
8.Hard

A patient on clozapine for 2 years has been stable. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I'll report a sore throat or fever at once"
  2. B"I can stop my blood tests since I feel well"
  3. C"I'll tell other doctors that I take clozapine"
  4. D"I'll keep all my scheduled blood test visits"

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Concentrated urine, as in dehydration
  2. 2. D · The salivary glands
  3. 3. B · Higher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  4. 4. B · Report it to the surgical team before surgery
  5. 5. A · Report it at once so cultures and antibiotics start quickly
  6. 6. A · Low TSH with a high free T4
  7. 7. D · Folate deficiency, made worse by a direct alcohol effect
  8. 8. B · "I can stop my blood tests since I feel well"

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