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 is the usual target INR for a patient taking warfarin for a deep vein thrombosis?

  1. A4.0–5.0
  2. B0.8–1.2
  3. C2.0–3.0
  4. D1.0–1.5
2.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. COveractive reflexes and muscle twitching
  4. DA strong urge to drink water
3.Easy

Using American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria, a fasting plasma glucose of 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) is classed as:

  1. AType 1 diabetes mellitus
  2. BMild hypoglycemia (low glucose)
  3. CNormal fasting glucose for an adult
  4. DPrediabetes (impaired fasting glucose)
4.Medium

A woman who is 30 weeks pregnant has a new blood pressure of 152/98 mm Hg. Which urine finding would most support preeclampsia?

  1. AGlucose in the urine
  2. BProtein in the urine
  3. CNitrites in the urine
  4. DKetones in the urine
5.Medium

A patient has had severe watery diarrhea for 4 days. Which laboratory pattern would the nurse expect?

  1. AHigh potassium and high bicarbonate
  2. BLow glucose and high magnesium
  3. CLow potassium and low bicarbonate
  4. DHigh sodium and high calcium
6.Medium

A patient with sepsis has a lactate of 2.1 mmol/L on admission and 4.3 mmol/L two hours later, despite IV fluids. What does this suggest?

  1. AExpected muscle activity from shivering in fever
  2. BImproving circulation as the fluids start to work
  3. CA normal response to IV fluids in the first hours
  4. DWorsening tissue perfusion that needs urgent reporting
7.Hard

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. CDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
  4. DSyndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
8.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient with severe neutropenia after chemotherapy. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I'll call the clinic if my temperature rises"
  2. B"I'll wash my hands before eating and after the toilet"
  3. C"I'll avoid people who have a cold or the flu"
  4. D"I'll check my temperature rectally to be accurate"

Answer key

  1. 1. C · 2.0–3.0
  2. 2. B · Reduced or absent deep tendon reflexes
  3. 3. D · Prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose)
  4. 4. B · Protein in the urine
  5. 5. C · Low potassium and low bicarbonate
  6. 6. D · Worsening tissue perfusion that needs urgent reporting
  7. 7. B · Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
  8. 8. D · "I'll check my temperature rectally to be accurate"

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