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

An older adult is found on the floor after lying there for many hours. Which blood test best shows breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis)?

  1. ASerum lipase
  2. BSerum albumin
  3. CHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  4. DCreatine kinase (CK)
2.Easy

A serum sodium of 151 mEq/L is called:

  1. AHypercalcemia
  2. BHyponatremia
  3. CHypernatremia
  4. DHyperkalemia
3.Easy

Which HbA1c value meets the usual diagnostic threshold for diabetes?

  1. A5.5% (37 mmol/mol) or higher
  2. B5.0% (31 mmol/mol) or higher
  3. C6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or higher
  4. D4.5% (26 mmol/mol) or higher
4.Medium

A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which finding best shows that the treatment is effective?

  1. ANo bowel movement for 2 days and calm sleep
  2. BA rising serum ammonia with a slower flapping tremor
  3. CSix to eight watery stools a day with dizziness
  4. DTwo to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
5.Medium

A young adult with new diabetes has a very low C-peptide level. What does this suggest?

  1. AThe patient has high insulin resistance, as in type 2 diabetes
  2. BThe kidneys are excreting all of the patient's insulin in urine
  3. CThe patient is injecting too much insulin and needs a lower dose
  4. DThe pancreas is making very little insulin, as in type 1 diabetes
6.Medium

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

  1. AMagnesium
  2. BUric acid
  3. CPhosphate
  4. DSodium bicarbonate
7.Hard

A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis has a hemoglobin of 10.5 g/dL (105 g/L), a low serum iron, a low total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and a high-normal ferritin. Which condition fits best?

  1. AIron-deficiency anemia
  2. BAnemia of chronic disease (inflammation)
  3. CAcute blood loss anemia
  4. DVitamin B12 deficiency anemia
8.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient starting lithium. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I will drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather"
  2. B"I will tell my doctor if I have vomiting or diarrhea"
  3. C"I will cut out salt from my diet completely to stay healthy"
  4. D"I will check with the pharmacist before taking ibuprofen"

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Creatine kinase (CK)
  2. 2. C · Hypernatremia
  3. 3. C · 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or higher
  4. 4. D · Two to three soft stools a day and clearer thinking
  5. 5. D · The pancreas is making very little insulin, as in type 1 diabetes
  6. 6. A · Magnesium
  7. 7. B · Anemia of chronic disease (inflammation)
  8. 8. C · "I will cut out salt from my diet completely to stay healthy"

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