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

For a person who is not taking an anticoagulant, the INR is typically about:

  1. A2.0–3.0
  2. B3.5–4.5
  3. C5.0–6.0
  4. D0.8–1.2
2.Easy

Which statement about HDL cholesterol is correct?

  1. AIt is the same as the fasting triglyceride level
  2. BIt should ideally be kept below 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)
  3. CHigher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  4. DHigher levels are the main cause of plaque in the arteries
3.Easy

A raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is most typical of:

  1. ABlocked bile flow or increased bone turnover
  2. BInflammation of the lining of the urinary bladder
  3. CAcute damage to the heart muscle
  4. DLow production of hormone by the thyroid gland
4.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. AChloride
  2. BSodium
  3. CMagnesium
  4. DPhosphate
5.Medium

A patient takes valproate (valproic acid) for epilepsy. Which tests are monitored regularly?

  1. AThyroid function and serum calcium
  2. BLiver function tests and platelet count
  3. CSerum lithium and urine specific gravity
  4. DTroponin and B-type natriuretic peptide
6.Medium

On the first day after major surgery, a patient's white cell count is 12.5 × 10³/µL, with no fever or wound signs. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA laboratory error, since surgery lowers white cells
  2. BA sign of leukemia that needs bone marrow testing
  3. CDefinite wound infection that needs antibiotics now
  4. DA common stress response to surgery that is monitored
7.Hard

Why can an HbA1c result be misleading in a patient who received a large blood transfusion two weeks ago?

  1. AMany red cells are donor cells, not exposed to the patient’s glucose
  2. BHbA1c is accurate in every situation
  3. CHbA1c measures sugar on white cells, not red cells
  4. DTransfusions always raise HbA1c to falsely high levels
8.Hard

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

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

Answer key

  1. 1. D · 0.8–1.2
  2. 2. C · Higher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  3. 3. A · Blocked bile flow or increased bone turnover
  4. 4. C · Magnesium
  5. 5. B · Liver function tests and platelet count
  6. 6. D · A common stress response to surgery that is monitored
  7. 7. A · Many red cells are donor cells, not exposed to the patient’s glucose
  8. 8. A · A closing anion gap with a rising bicarbonate and pH

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