Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What is a typical adult reference range for serum chloride?

1. AAbout 98–106 mEq/L
2. BAbout 22–28 mEq/L
3. CAbout 135–145 mEq/L
4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L

Lactate is mainly produced when cells:

1. AStore glucose as glycogen in the muscles
2. BBreak down protein in the liver for energy
3. CBreak down glucose without enough oxygen
4. DBreak down fat completely with oxygen

What is the difference between serum and plasma?

1. ASerum is what is left after blood clots, minus clotting factors
2. BSerum and plasma are two names for exactly the same fluid
3. CPlasma is the fluid left after blood clots, without fibrinogen
4. DSerum contains all the red cells, while plasma contains none

A patient’s fasting glucose today is 98 mg/dL (5.4 mmol/L), but the HbA1c is 8.9% (74 mmol/mol). What is the best interpretation?

1. AToday’s good result shows that diabetes is well controlled
2. BGlucose control has been poor over the past 2–3 months
3. CThe HbA1c reflects only the past 24 hours
4. DThe patient does not have diabetes

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a magnesium of 3.8 mEq/L (1.9 mmol/L). Which product is the most likely cause?

1. AExcess alcohol use over many years
2. BLoop diuretics such as furosemide
3. CProton pump inhibitors taken long term
4. DMagnesium-containing laxatives or antacids

How does the nurse start a 24-hour urine collection at 08:00?

1. ACollect only the first urine passed on waking, and repeat this the next morning
2. BSave the 08:00 urine as the first sample, then collect until 08:00 the next day
3. CHave the patient void and discard that urine, then save all urine until 08:00 the next day
4. DSave three samples spread across the day and discard all of the urine passed at night

An older adult has bone pain, fatigue and frequent infections. Results show anemia, a calcium of 12.4 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L), a raised total protein and a rising creatinine. Which condition should be suspected?

1. APrimary hypothyroidism
2. BAcute viral hepatitis
3. CIron-deficiency anemia
4. DMultiple myeloma

After a crush injury, a patient's urine dipstick is strongly positive for blood, but microscopy shows almost no red cells. CK is very high. What best explains this?

1. AThe sample was contaminated with menstrual blood
2. BA kidney stone is scraping the ureter lining
3. CMyoglobin from damaged muscle is in the urine
4. DBleeding is coming from the bladder lining