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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which laboratory test is traditionally used to adjust a continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin?

  1. AInternational normalized ratio (INR)
  2. BActivated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  3. CPlatelet function assay (PFA-100 test)
  4. DErythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
2.Easy

Chronic kidney disease is usually defined by an eGFR below which value for more than 3 months?

  1. A15 mL/min/1.73 m²
  2. B90 mL/min/1.73 m²
  3. C60 mL/min/1.73 m²
  4. D120 mL/min/1.73 m²
3.Easy

Which liver test rises mainly when liver cells are damaged?

  1. ABlood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  2. BALT (alanine aminotransferase)
  3. CHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  4. DCreatine kinase (CK)
4.Medium

A test has very high sensitivity for a disease. What does a negative result mean?

  1. AThe disease is unlikely, so it helps rule it out
  2. BThe result cannot be used, because sensitivity is high
  3. CThe patient must have a different disease instead
  4. DThe disease is certain, so treatment should begin
5.Medium

A healthy woman at 28 weeks of pregnancy has a mildly lower hemoglobin than before pregnancy, with a normal MCV and ferritin. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. APregnancy hormones stop the bone marrow from making red cells
  2. BPlasma volume rises more than red cell mass, diluting the blood
  3. CIron is being lost through the kidneys during the pregnancy
  4. DThe fetus is destroying the mother's red cells in the circulation
6.Medium

A patient taking furosemide has a potassium of 3.3 mEq/L and is told to eat more potassium-rich foods. Which snack is the best choice?

  1. ADried apricots
  2. BWhite bread
  3. CPlain crackers
  4. DRice cakes
7.Hard

A stable patient's hemoglobin has been 13–14 g/dL for days. Today's result is 8.2 g/dL, but the patient feels well, the vital signs are normal and there is no bleeding. What should the nurse suspect first?

  1. AA sample taken from the wrong patient
  2. BAcute bone marrow failure overnight
  3. CA normal day-to-day variation in Hb
  4. DSudden massive internal bleeding
8.Hard

After a crush injury, a patient's urine dipstick is strongly positive for blood, but microscopy shows almost no red cells. CK is very high. What best explains this?

  1. AMyoglobin from damaged muscle is in the urine
  2. BA kidney stone is scraping the ureter lining
  3. CThe sample was contaminated with menstrual blood
  4. DBleeding is coming from the bladder lining

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  2. 2. C · 60 mL/min/1.73 m²
  3. 3. B · ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
  4. 4. A · The disease is unlikely, so it helps rule it out
  5. 5. B · Plasma volume rises more than red cell mass, diluting the blood
  6. 6. A · Dried apricots
  7. 7. A · A sample taken from the wrong patient
  8. 8. A · Myoglobin from damaged muscle is in the urine

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.