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

In many US nursing references, what is the commonly cited therapeutic range for serum lithium in maintenance therapy?

  1. AAbout 2.0–3.0 mEq/L
  2. BAbout 0.6–1.2 mEq/L
  3. CAbout 10–20 mEq/L
  4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
2.Easy

In a person with HIV infection, a CD4 count below which level defines AIDS?

  1. A500 cells/µL
  2. B50 cells/µL
  3. C200 cells/µL
  4. D1,000 cells/µL
3.Easy

In a standard 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, what does the patient do?

  1. AReceives an insulin injection, and glucose is checked each hour
  2. BFasts for 3 days, and glucose is checked every morning before breakfast
  3. CEats a normal meal, and glucose is checked once later that evening
  4. DDrinks a measured glucose solution, and glucose is checked 2 hours later
4.Medium

Before giving prescribed IV potassium chloride, which assessment is most important?

  1. AUrine output and kidney function
  2. BSkin turgor on the forearm
  3. CPupil size and reaction to light
  4. DHearing in both ears
5.Medium

Which IV fluid can be given through the same line as a red cell transfusion?

  1. A5% dextrose in water
  2. BLactated Ringer's (Hartmann's) solution
  3. C0.9% sodium chloride
  4. D0.45% sodium chloride
6.Medium

A patient who is breathless during a transfusion has hypotension, fever and bilateral lung infiltrates, with no signs of fluid overload. Which complication is most likely?

  1. ATransfusion-associated circulatory overload
  2. BTransfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
  3. CA simple allergic reaction with hives
  4. DA mild febrile nonhemolytic reaction
7.Hard

During an IV magnesium sulfate infusion, which assessment best detects toxicity early?

  1. ABowel sounds and abdominal girth
  2. BSkin color and capillary refill every hour
  3. CBlood glucose and pupil size every hour
  4. DKnee reflexes, respiratory rate and urine output
8.Hard

A woman with preeclampsia is receiving IV magnesium sulfate. Her urine output has fallen and her creatinine is rising. Why is this a concern?

  1. AMagnesium is excreted by the kidneys, so it can build up to toxic levels
  2. BMagnesium causes potassium loss, so the kidneys release more fluid
  3. CMagnesium is broken down by the liver, so it will stop working soon
  4. DPoor kidney function makes the magnesium level fall quickly

Answer key

  1. 1. B · About 0.6–1.2 mEq/L
  2. 2. C · 200 cells/µL
  3. 3. D · Drinks a measured glucose solution, and glucose is checked 2 hours later
  4. 4. A · Urine output and kidney function
  5. 5. C · 0.9% sodium chloride
  6. 6. B · Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
  7. 7. D · Knee reflexes, respiratory rate and urine output
  8. 8. A · Magnesium is excreted by the kidneys, so it can build up to toxic levels

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