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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which finding is typical of a high serum magnesium?

  1. ACarpal spasm when a cuff is inflated
  2. BReduced or absent deep tendon reflexes
  3. CA strong urge to drink water
  4. DOveractive reflexes and muscle twitching
2.Easy

Where does most of the ammonia in the blood come from, and which organ removes it?

  1. ARed cell breakdown in the spleen; removed by the skin
  2. BFat breakdown in adipose tissue; removed by the lungs
  3. CGlucose breakdown in muscle; removed by the pancreas
  4. DProtein breakdown by gut bacteria; removed by the liver
3.Easy

Why is serum creatinine a better marker of kidney function than BUN?

  1. AIt is not filtered by the kidneys, so its level stays very stable
  2. BIt is affected mainly by protein intake, which is easy to control
  3. CIt is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut
  4. DIt is made by the liver, so it rises in every kind of illness
4.Medium

A patient has taken hydrochlorothiazide for several years. Which laboratory change is a recognized effect of this drug?

  1. AA fall in blood glucose
  2. BA rise in serum uric acid
  3. CA fall in serum calcium
  4. DA rise in serum potassium
5.Medium

A patient has taken a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole) for many years and now has muscle cramps and tremor. Which electrolyte is most likely to be low?

  1. AMagnesium
  2. BChloride
  3. CPhosphate
  4. DSodium
6.Medium

A healthy patient has a mildly raised CK after running a marathon yesterday, without dark urine or symptoms. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. AThe patient has developed acute hepatitis
  2. BStrenuous exercise raised CK from skeletal muscle
  3. CAn acute myocardial infarction has occurred
  4. DThe patient has developed acute pancreatitis
7.Hard

Four drug levels are reported. Which patient should the nurse assess first?

  1. ADigoxin 1.0 ng/mL with a pulse of 72/min
  2. BLithium 1.8 mEq/L with a new coarse tremor
  3. CValproate 75 mcg/mL with no symptoms
  4. DPhenytoin 15 mcg/mL with no symptoms
8.Hard

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a phosphate of 7.2 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L). Which dietary teaching is most appropriate?

  1. ALimit phosphate-rich foods, such as processed foods and colas
  2. BDrink more cola-type soft drinks to stay hydrated
  3. CTake calcium supplements on an empty stomach instead of the binder
  4. DIncrease milk and cheese to protect the bones from calcium loss

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Reduced or absent deep tendon reflexes
  2. 2. D · Protein breakdown by gut bacteria; removed by the liver
  3. 3. C · It is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut
  4. 4. B · A rise in serum uric acid
  5. 5. A · Magnesium
  6. 6. B · Strenuous exercise raised CK from skeletal muscle
  7. 7. B · Lithium 1.8 mEq/L with a new coarse tremor
  8. 8. A · Limit phosphate-rich foods, such as processed foods and colas

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