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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1.Easy

Which HbA1c value meets the usual diagnostic threshold for diabetes?

  1. A6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or higher
  2. B5.0% (31 mmol/mol) or higher
  3. C5.5% (37 mmol/mol) or higher
  4. D4.5% (26 mmol/mol) or higher
2.Easy

What does the specificity of a diagnostic test describe?

  1. AThe proportion of people without the disease who test negative
  2. BThe cost of the test compared with other tests
  3. CThe proportion of people with the disease who test positive
  4. DThe total number of people who take the test each year
3.Easy

Lactate is mainly produced when cells:

  1. ABreak down fat completely with oxygen
  2. BStore glucose as glycogen in the muscles
  3. CBreak down protein in the liver for energy
  4. DBreak down glucose without enough oxygen
4.Medium

Why is a blood β-hydroxybutyrate level often preferred to a urine ketone dipstick in DKA?

  1. AThe urine dipstick only detects ketones in people without diabetes
  2. BIt measures the main ketone in DKA, and the dipstick may miss it
  3. CIt is the only test that can measure glucose and ketones together
  4. DIt shows the average ketone level over the past three months
5.Medium

How should a blood sample for serum ammonia be handled?

  1. APlaced on ice and sent to the laboratory at once
  2. BLeft at room temperature for several hours first
  3. CShaken firmly to mix it before it is sent away
  4. DKept warm and sent with the next routine batch
6.Medium

Which technique is recommended for a capillary blood glucose test on an adult's finger?

  1. AUse the same finger every time
  2. BPrick the center of the fingertip
  3. CPrick the side of the fingertip
  4. DSqueeze the finger very hard
7.Hard

A patient with kidney stones and fatigue has a calcium of 11.6 mg/dL (2.9 mmol/L), a high parathyroid hormone (PTH) and a low phosphate. Which condition is most likely?

  1. ACancer-related hypercalcemia
  2. BHypoparathyroidism
  3. CVitamin D deficiency
  4. DPrimary hyperparathyroidism
8.Hard

A patient on lithium has had vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days and has been taking ibuprofen. They now have a coarse tremor and confusion. The lithium level is 2.2 mEq/L. What is the best interpretation and action?

  1. AA normal level; continue lithium as prescribed
  2. BLithium toxicity; hold lithium and report urgently
  3. CA low level; ask for the lithium dose to be raised
  4. DIbuprofen side effects only; give it with food

Answer key

  1. 1. A · 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or higher
  2. 2. A · The proportion of people without the disease who test negative
  3. 3. D · Break down glucose without enough oxygen
  4. 4. B · It measures the main ketone in DKA, and the dipstick may miss it
  5. 5. A · Placed on ice and sent to the laboratory at once
  6. 6. C · Prick the side of the fingertip
  7. 7. D · Primary hyperparathyroidism
  8. 8. B · Lithium toxicity; hold lithium and report urgently

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