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

What is the main role of platelets?

  1. ATo carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
  2. BTo break down old red cells in the spleen
  3. CTo form a plug at the site of vessel injury
  4. DTo produce antibodies against bacteria and viruses
2.Easy

What is the commonly cited therapeutic range for total serum valproate (valproic acid) in epilepsy?

  1. AAbout 5–10 mcg/mL (mg/L)
  2. BAbout 50–100 mcg/mL (mg/L)
  3. CAbout 500–1000 mcg/mL (mg/L)
  4. DAbout 0.6–1.2 mcg/mL (mg/L)
3.Easy

The serum total protein is made up mainly of:

  1. AGlucose and urea
  2. BHemoglobin and iron
  3. CAlbumin and globulins
  4. DSodium and chloride
4.Medium

A patient without symptoms has a fasting plasma glucose of 132 mg/dL (7.3 mmol/L) on Monday and 138 mg/dL (7.7 mmol/L) on Thursday. What does this show?

  1. AThe results meet the criteria for diabetes
  2. BThe results show reactive hypoglycemia
  3. CThe results show prediabetes only
  4. DThe results are within the normal fasting range
5.Medium

A urine culture is ordered for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. How should the nurse collect the sample?

  1. ARemove the catheter and culture the catheter tip
  2. BPour urine from the drainage bag into a sterile cup
  3. CAspirate from the sampling port with a sterile syringe
  4. DDisconnect the catheter from the tubing and let it drain
6.Medium

When several samples are drawn at the same venipuncture, which tubes or bottles are filled first?

  1. ABlood culture bottles
  2. BEDTA (complete blood count) tubes
  3. CFluoride (glucose) tubes
  4. DCoagulation (citrate) tubes
7.Hard

A patient on warfarin with an INR of 3.6 fell and hit their head an hour ago. They now report a worsening headache and drowsiness. What is the priority?

  1. AEncourage rest in a dark room to settle the pain
  2. BGive acetaminophen (paracetamol) and recheck the INR tomorrow
  3. CHold warfarin for one dose and observe at home
  4. DReport urgently for imaging and possible reversal
8.Hard

Which set of results best shows that diabetic ketoacidosis is resolving?

  1. AA falling glucose with a falling serum bicarbonate
  2. BA rising potassium with a falling bicarbonate
  3. CA falling glucose with a still widening anion gap
  4. DA closing anion gap with a rising bicarbonate and pH

Answer key

  1. 1. C · To form a plug at the site of vessel injury
  2. 2. B · About 50–100 mcg/mL (mg/L)
  3. 3. C · Albumin and globulins
  4. 4. A · The results meet the criteria for diabetes
  5. 5. C · Aspirate from the sampling port with a sterile syringe
  6. 6. A · Blood culture bottles
  7. 7. D · Report urgently for imaging and possible reversal
  8. 8. D · A closing anion gap with a rising bicarbonate and pH

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