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

Which fasting triglyceride level is commonly described as normal?

  1. AAbove 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
  2. BAbove 1,000 mg/dL (11.3 mmol/L)
  3. CBelow 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  4. DBetween 200 and 499 mg/dL (2.3–5.6 mmol/L)
2.Easy

What is a typical reference range for serum osmolality?

  1. AAbout 50–100 mOsm/kg
  2. BAbout 275–295 mOsm/kg
  3. CAbout 400–500 mOsm/kg
  4. DAbout 135–145 mOsm/kg
3.Easy

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

  1. AIron-deficiency anemia
  2. BOsteoporosis
  3. CGout
  4. DHypothyroidism
4.Medium

A patient on digoxin has a level of 2.8 ng/mL and a heart rate of 52/min. What is the nurse’s best action?

  1. AHold the dose and inform the prescriber
  2. BGive the dose and recheck the level in a month
  3. CGive the dose, as the heart rate is above 50/min
  4. DGive a double dose to correct the rhythm
5.Medium

Apart from the lithium level, which tests are monitored regularly in long-term lithium therapy?

  1. ALiver enzymes and serum amylase
  2. BKidney function and thyroid function
  3. CINR and the platelet count
  4. DTroponin and creatine kinase (CK)
6.Medium

A patient has a platelet count of 18 × 10³/µL. Which nursing measure is appropriate?

  1. AEncourage flossing twice daily and shaving with a sharp razor blade
  2. BGive the prescribed aspirin when the patient has a headache
  3. CSoft toothbrush, electric razor and no intramuscular injections
  4. DTake temperatures rectally every four hours for accuracy
7.Hard

A patient has taken metformin for 8 years and now has numbness in the feet, a hemoglobin of 10.2 g/dL (102 g/L) and an MCV of 108 fL. Which deficiency is most likely?

  1. AVitamin K deficiency
  2. BVitamin D (calciferol) deficiency
  3. CVitamin B12 deficiency
  4. DIron deficiency from gut loss
8.Hard

A patient with a long-standing lung condition has a serum bicarbonate of 32 mEq/L, an arterial PaCO₂ that is always high and a pH of 7.36. Which condition fits best?

  1. AAcute aspirin overdose with rapid breathing
  2. BAcute diabetic ketoacidosis with severe dehydration and vomiting
  3. CAcute severe diarrhea with large bicarbonate losses
  4. DCOPD with chronic CO₂ retention and metabolic compensation

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Below 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  2. 2. B · About 275–295 mOsm/kg
  3. 3. C · Gout
  4. 4. A · Hold the dose and inform the prescriber
  5. 5. B · Kidney function and thyroid function
  6. 6. C · Soft toothbrush, electric razor and no intramuscular injections
  7. 7. C · Vitamin B12 deficiency
  8. 8. D · COPD with chronic CO₂ retention and metabolic compensation

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