Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Which findings are typical of a low serum magnesium?

1. ALoss of reflexes, flushing and slow breathing
2. BPolyuria, extreme thirst and pale urine
3. CTremor, hyperreflexia and cardiac arrhythmias
4. DJaundice, itching and pale stools

A serum sodium of 151 mEq/L is called:

1. AHypernatremia
2. BHyperkalemia
3. CHypercalcemia
4. DHyponatremia

Which laboratory test is used to diagnose sickle cell disease?

1. AHemoglobin electrophoresis
2. BSerum ferritin and transferrin saturation
3. CProthrombin time with INR
4. DErythrocyte sedimentation rate

A patient's potassium is unexpectedly 5.8 mEq/L. The sample was taken after the tourniquet was on for several minutes while the patient pumped their fist. What is the best interpretation?

1. AThe result may be falsely high and should be repeated with better technique
2. BThe result confirms true hyperkalemia and needs no further checking
3. CTourniquet time affects only the glucose result, not the potassium
4. DFist pumping lowers potassium, so the true level is even higher

A patient taking spironolactone asks about using a salt substitute. What should the nurse explain?

1. ASalt substitutes protect against the potassium loss caused by this drug
2. BSalt substitutes are fine as long as the patient drinks more water
3. CSalt substitutes are safe because they contain only sodium chloride
4. DMost salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high

A patient on warfarin has an INR of 7.8 and a nosebleed. Which medication would the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?

1. AAcetylcysteine
2. BVitamin K (phytonadione)
3. CProtamine sulfate
4. DNaloxone hydrochloride

A patient has marked generalized edema. Results show heavy proteinuria, serum albumin 1.8 g/dL (18 g/L) and total cholesterol 340 mg/dL (8.8 mmol/L). Which condition fits best?

1. ALiver cirrhosis only
2. BNephrotic syndrome
3. CAcute pyelonephritis
4. DPrerenal kidney injury

A patient with ongoing hemolytic anemia has an HbA1c of 4.6%, but home glucose readings are often 180–220 mg/dL (10–12 mmol/L). What best explains the gap?

1. AThe home glucose meter is reading falsely high
2. BThe patient has true, well-controlled diabetes
3. CShort red cell life span lowers the HbA1c falsely
4. DHemolysis makes the HbA1c test read too high