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

What does a raised C-reactive protein (CRP) mainly indicate?

  1. AA heart attack in particular
  2. BKidney failure in particular
  3. CDehydration and fluid loss
  4. DInflammation in the body
2.Easy

Which findings are typical of a low serum magnesium?

  1. ATremor, hyperreflexia and cardiac arrhythmias
  2. BPolyuria, extreme thirst and pale urine
  3. CLoss of reflexes, flushing and slow breathing
  4. DJaundice, itching and pale stools
3.Easy

Which liver test is especially sensitive to heavy alcohol use?

  1. AGamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
  2. BSerum creatinine and BUN
  3. CCardiac troponin I or T
  4. DSerum lipase (pancreatic enzyme)
4.Medium

When should blood cultures be taken for a patient with suspected sepsis?

  1. AAt any time, since antibiotics do not affect the result
  2. BBefore the first antibiotic dose, without delaying it much
  3. COnly if the fever lasts more than three days
  4. DAfter the first three doses of antibiotics
5.Medium

A patient with type 1 diabetes has the flu, is eating little and has a glucose of 290 mg/dL (16.1 mmol/L). Which advice is correct?

  1. AWait 3 days before checking the glucose again
  2. BStop all insulin until you are eating normally again
  3. CKeep taking insulin and check blood or urine ketones
  4. DDrink only water and avoid all carbohydrate foods
6.Medium

A test has very high sensitivity for a disease. What does a negative result mean?

  1. AThe disease is unlikely, so it helps rule it out
  2. BThe result cannot be used, because sensitivity is high
  3. CThe disease is certain, so treatment should begin
  4. DThe patient must have a different disease instead
7.Hard

A patient has sudden episodes of severe headache, sweating, palpitations and very high blood pressure. Which test is most useful to look for the cause?

  1. APlasma free metanephrines
  2. BSerum TSH and free T4
  3. CSerum calcium only
  4. DFasting lipid profile
8.Hard

A patient has fatigue, weight loss, darkening of the skin and low blood pressure. Results: sodium 130 mEq/L, potassium 5.6 mEq/L. Which test pattern would confirm primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)?

  1. ALow cortisol with a high ACTH
  2. BHigh cortisol with a high ACTH
  3. CHigh cortisol with a low ACTH
  4. DLow cortisol with a low ACTH

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Inflammation in the body
  2. 2. A · Tremor, hyperreflexia and cardiac arrhythmias
  3. 3. A · Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
  4. 4. B · Before the first antibiotic dose, without delaying it much
  5. 5. C · Keep taking insulin and check blood or urine ketones
  6. 6. A · The disease is unlikely, so it helps rule it out
  7. 7. A · Plasma free metanephrines
  8. 8. A · Low cortisol with a high ACTH

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