Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Which ion is the main anion in the fluid outside the cells?

1. APotassium
2. BChloride
3. CBicarbonate
4. DPhosphate

A raised neutrophil count (neutrophilia) is most typical of:

1. AVitamin B₁₂ deficiency
2. BA mild viral cold
3. CHay fever and asthma
4. DAcute bacterial infection

Which body system shows the main symptoms of a low serum sodium?

1. AThe eyes only
2. BThe skeleton
3. CThe nervous system
4. DThe skin and hair

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 shows the average ketone level over the past three months
3. CIt measures the main ketone in DKA, and the dipstick may miss it
4. DIt is the only test that can measure glucose and ketones together

A patient with pneumonia had a CRP of 180 mg/L on admission and 40 mg/L after 4 days of antibiotics. What does this most likely show?

1. AThe antibiotic is causing liver damage
2. BThe inflammation is settling with treatment
3. CThe patient has developed a new infection
4. DThe infection has spread to another organ

A patient’s fasting glucose today is 98 mg/dL (5.4 mmol/L), but the HbA1c is 8.9% (74 mmol/mol). What is the best interpretation?

1. AToday’s good result shows that diabetes is well controlled
2. BGlucose control has been poor over the past 2–3 months
3. CThe HbA1c reflects only the past 24 hours
4. DThe patient does not have diabetes

The nurse teaches a patient with thrombocytopenia (platelets 25 × 10³/µL) about home safety. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A"I'll blow my nose gently, not forcefully"
2. B"I'll take aspirin if I get a headache"
3. C"I'll use an electric razor to shave"
4. D"I'll use a soft-bristled toothbrush"

An older adult with type 2 diabetes is drowsy and very dehydrated. Glucose 920 mg/dL (51 mmol/L), serum osmolality 350 mOsm/kg, pH 7.36, urine ketones negative or trace. Which condition fits best?

1. AMetformin-related lactic acidosis
2. BHyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
3. CSyndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
4. DDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)