Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What is the main role of fibrinogen in the blood?

1. AIt is converted to fibrin, which forms the mesh of a clot
2. BIt transports iron from the gut to the bone marrow
3. CIt breaks down clots once the bleeding has stopped
4. DIt carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues

How does dehydration usually affect the hematocrit?

1. AIt has no effect
2. BIt lowers it
3. CIt raises it
4. DIt makes it zero

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency typically causes which type of anemia?

1. AMicrocytic anemia, with small red cells
2. BMacrocytic anemia, with large red cells
3. CHemolytic anemia, with destroyed red cells
4. DAplastic anemia, with an empty bone marrow

An older adult takes lisinopril and furosemide and recently started daily ibuprofen for knee pain. The creatinine has risen from 1.0 to 1.8 mg/dL (88 to 159 µmol/L). What is the most likely cause?

1. AA laboratory error, since ibuprofen has no effect on the kidney
2. BMore activity has increased the patient's muscle mass quickly
3. CThe NSAID reduces kidney blood flow on top of the other two drugs
4. DNormal aging of the kidneys over a period of a few weeks

A patient has a calcium of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L) and tingling around the mouth. Which nursing measure is most appropriate?

1. AEncourage 3 L of fluid per day to dilute the calcium
2. BPromote walking to move calcium back into the bone
3. CPut seizure precautions in place and report the result
4. DLimit dairy products until the level falls again

A patient has a calcium of 11.8 mg/dL (2.95 mmol/L) from bone metastases. Which nursing measure is appropriate?

1. AOffer extra milk and cheese at each meal
2. BEncourage fluids and mobility as tolerated
3. CGive calcium carbonate antacids for nausea
4. DEncourage bed rest and limit oral fluids

A malnourished patient starts eating again and, on day 3, has a phosphate of 1.2 mg/dL (0.39 mmol/L) with muscle weakness and shortness of breath. What is the main risk?

1. AKidney stones from calcium released by the bones
2. BWeak breathing muscles and heart failure from low phosphate
3. CHyperkalemia caused by cells releasing potassium
4. DRapid weight gain, but no serious danger

A patient receiving parenteral nutrition with lipid emulsion has a triglyceride level of 620 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L). Why is this result important?

1. AIt raises the risk of acute pancreatitis
2. BIt means the patient needs more lipid
3. CIt is a normal fasting value for adults
4. DIt shows the nutrition is fully effective