Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A laboratory reports that a blood sample is "hemolyzed." What does this mean?

1. AThe sample contains too many platelets
2. BThe sample has a very low hemoglobin
3. CRed cells in the sample have broken open
4. DThe sample was taken from an artery

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

1. A140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
2. B210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L)
3. C45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L)
4. D85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L)

Why is serum creatinine a better marker of kidney function than BUN?

1. AIt is not filtered by the kidneys, so its level stays very stable
2. BIt is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut
3. CIt is made by the liver, so it rises in every kind of illness
4. DIt is affected mainly by protein intake, which is easy to control

A patient with diabetes also takes propranolol. Why is regular glucose monitoring especially important?

1. AThe drug blocks the insulin injection site
2. BThe drug causes very high glucose in all patients
3. CThe drug stops the meter from reading correctly
4. DThe drug can mask warning signs of hypoglycemia

Why do patients with chronic kidney disease often have anemia?

1. AHigh potassium in kidney disease breaks down red cells
2. BThe damaged kidneys filter out and destroy red blood cells
3. CThe kidneys make less erythropoietin, which drives red cell production
4. DUremic toxins make the bone marrow produce white cells instead of red cells

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 bed rest and limit oral fluids
3. CGive calcium carbonate antacids for nausea
4. DEncourage fluids and mobility as tolerated

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. BSodium 137 mEq/L in a patient admitted with pneumonia yesterday
3. CPotassium 6.6 mEq/L in a patient with CKD who has new muscle weakness
4. DGlucose 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after a meal in a patient with diabetes

A patient on clozapine for 2 years has been stable. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A"I'll keep all my scheduled blood test visits"
2. B"I can stop my blood tests since I feel well"
3. C"I'll tell other doctors that I take clozapine"
4. D"I'll report a sore throat or fever at once"