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

Which statement about HDL cholesterol is correct?

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

Which fasting blood glucose is within the typical normal range for an adult without diabetes?

  1. A45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L)
  2. B85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L)
  3. C140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
  4. D210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L)
3.Easy

Where are urinary casts formed?

  1. AIn the ureters
  2. BIn the kidney tubules
  3. CIn the urethra
  4. DIn the urinary bladder
4.Medium

A patient has burning on urination and frequency. The dipstick is positive for nitrites and leukocyte esterase, and a urine culture is ordered. When should the sample be taken?

  1. AAfter the symptoms have fully settled
  2. BBefore the first dose of antibiotic
  3. CAfter 3 days of antibiotic treatment
  4. DAt any time, as antibiotics do not matter
5.Medium

A patient with a low clinical probability of deep vein thrombosis has a normal (negative) D-dimer. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AThe test is useless and should always be ignored
  2. BA DVT is confirmed and anticoagulation is needed
  3. CA pulmonary embolism is now certain to be present
  4. DA DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
6.Medium

A patient receives subcutaneous enoxaparin (a low-molecular-weight heparin). Which statement about monitoring is correct?

  1. ANo routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  2. BThe INR is used to adjust each dose, as with warfarin
  3. CNo blood tests of any kind are ever needed
  4. DThe aPTT must be checked every 6 hours to adjust the dose
7.Hard

A patient has a hematocrit of 60% and a raised red cell mass. Which result suggests polycythemia vera rather than secondary polycythemia from chronic hypoxia?

  1. AA high erythropoietin level
  2. BA high carboxyhemoglobin
  3. CA low erythropoietin level
  4. DA low oxygen saturation
8.Hard

Four laboratory results arrive. Which one should the nurse act on first?

  1. AHemoglobin 11.8 g/dL (118 g/L) in a patient with chronic kidney disease
  2. BPotassium 6.6 mEq/L in a patient with CKD who has new muscle weakness
  3. CSodium 137 mEq/L in a patient admitted with pneumonia yesterday
  4. DGlucose 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after a meal in a patient with diabetes

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Higher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  2. 2. B · 85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L)
  3. 3. B · In the kidney tubules
  4. 4. B · Before the first dose of antibiotic
  5. 5. D · A DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  6. 6. A · No routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  7. 7. C · A low erythropoietin level
  8. 8. B · Potassium 6.6 mEq/L in a patient with CKD who has new muscle weakness

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