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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What is a typical reference range for urine specific gravity in an adult?

  1. AAbout 0.900–0.990
  2. BAbout 1.005–1.030
  3. CAbout 1.100–1.300
  4. DAbout 1.040–1.060
2.Easy

The tumor marker CA-125 is most often used to follow which cancer?

  1. AThyroid cancer
  2. BColon cancer
  3. CLung cancer
  4. DOvarian cancer
3.Easy

A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) means that the red cells are:

  1. ALarger than normal (macrocytic)
  2. BMore numerous than normal
  3. CPaler than normal (hypochromic)
  4. DShaped like a sickle
4.Medium

On the first day after major surgery, a patient's white cell count is 12.5 × 10³/µL, with no fever or wound signs. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA laboratory error, since surgery lowers white cells
  2. BA common stress response to surgery that is monitored
  3. CDefinite wound infection that needs antibiotics now
  4. DA sign of leukemia that needs bone marrow testing
5.Medium

A patient takes high-dose furosemide. Besides potassium, which electrolyte is most commonly lowered?

  1. APhosphate
  2. BSodium bicarbonate
  3. CUric acid
  4. DMagnesium
6.Medium

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

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

A patient stopped long-term prednisone suddenly a week ago. Now: blood pressure 78/46 mm Hg, sodium 128 mEq/L, potassium 4.6 mEq/L, glucose 58 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L). Which condition is most likely?

  1. AAcute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis)
  2. BSyndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
  3. CCushing syndrome from steroid excess
  4. DPrimary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome)
8.Hard

A patient’s potassium has been 3.4–3.6 mEq/L for months, and a single result today is 5.4 mEq/L. The patient feels well and the ECG is normal. What is the best next step?

  1. AIgnore the result, because the patient feels well
  2. BStart a potassium binder immediately without further checks
  3. CStop all of the patient’s regular medicines
  4. DCheck how the sample was taken, assess the patient and repeat the test

Answer key

  1. 1. B · About 1.005–1.030
  2. 2. D · Ovarian cancer
  3. 3. C · Paler than normal (hypochromic)
  4. 4. B · A common stress response to surgery that is monitored
  5. 5. D · Magnesium
  6. 6. C · Low TSH with a high free T4
  7. 7. A · Acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis)
  8. 8. D · Check how the sample was taken, assess the patient and repeat the test

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.