Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A patient has a hemoglobin of 19.5 g/dL (195 g/L) and a hematocrit of 58%. Which term describes this?

1. AIron-deficiency anemia
2. BPolycythemia (erythrocytosis)
3. CThrombocytopenia (low platelets)
4. DPancytopenia (all cells low)

What does a "stat" laboratory order mean?

1. AThe test is done if time allows
2. BThe test is done next week
3. CThe test is done immediately
4. DThe test is done at night

A patient who has not eaten for 2 days has ketones in the urine. What is the most likely reason?

1. AThe body is burning fat for energy
2. BThe kidneys are leaking protein
3. CThe liver is making too much glucose
4. DThe bladder has a bacterial infection

A patient on a heparin infusion has an aPTT below the target range on the protocol. What should the nurse do?

1. ASwitch the infusion to oral warfarin without a prescription
2. BStop the infusion and give protamine sulfate as quickly as possible
3. CContinue the same rate and recheck the aPTT in a few days
4. DAdjust the rate as the protocol directs and recheck as scheduled

A patient on hemodialysis has an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the left arm. Where should the nurse draw routine blood samples?

1. AFrom the fistula
2. BFrom the left hand
3. CFrom the left wrist
4. DFrom the right arm

A healthy patient has a mildly raised CK after running a marathon yesterday, without dark urine or symptoms. What is the most likely explanation?

1. AThe patient has developed acute pancreatitis
2. BAn acute myocardial infarction has occurred
3. CThe patient has developed acute hepatitis
4. DStrenuous exercise raised CK from skeletal muscle

The nurse teaches a patient about the HbA1c test. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A"A lower result means less risk of damage to my eyes and kidneys"
2. B"I must not eat anything for 12 hours before the HbA1c test"
3. C"The test shows my average glucose over the past few months"
4. D"My daily finger-stick readings still matter between the tests"

A patient's AST is about twice the ALT, both moderately raised, and the GGT is high. Which cause is most likely?

1. AAcute myocardial infarction
2. BAlcohol-related liver disease
3. CAcute viral hepatitis A
4. DGallstone blocking the bile duct