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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which form of bilirubin rises mainly when red cells are broken down faster than normal?

  1. AStool bilirubin
  2. BUrine bilirubin
  3. CConjugated (direct)
  4. DUnconjugated (indirect)
2.Easy

Which antibody test is most specific for rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. AAnti-D antibody
  2. BAnti-CCP antibodies
  3. CAnti-HBs antibody
  4. DAntinuclear antibody
3.Easy

What is the usual target INR for a patient taking warfarin for a deep vein thrombosis?

  1. A1.0–1.5
  2. B2.0–3.0
  3. C0.8–1.2
  4. D4.0–5.0
4.Medium

A nurse completed the hepatitis B vaccine series. Which result shows protective immunity?

  1. AA raised ALT level
  2. BAnti-HBs of 10 mIU/mL or more
  3. CA positive HBsAg test
  4. DA positive IgM anti-HBc
5.Medium

Why must a low total calcium be interpreted with care in a patient with a low serum albumin?

  1. AAlbumin and calcium are measured with the same chemical reaction, so they always fall together
  2. BLow albumin makes every calcium test inaccurate and useless
  3. CMuch calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
  4. DLow albumin always causes true, symptomatic hypocalcemia
6.Medium

A patient has taken a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole) for many years and now has muscle cramps and tremor. Which electrolyte is most likely to be low?

  1. APhosphate
  2. BChloride
  3. CMagnesium
  4. DSodium
7.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient with iron-deficiency anemia who is starting oral iron. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I can take it with orange juice to help absorption"
  2. B"I'll take my iron tablet with a big glass of milk"
  3. C"My stools may look darker while I take the tablets"
  4. D"I'll keep the tablets out of reach of the children"
8.Hard

A healthy woman at 10 weeks of pregnancy has a slightly low TSH with a normal free T4 and no symptoms. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. AShe has pituitary failure from the pregnancy
  2. BhCG stimulates the thyroid in early pregnancy
  3. CShe has developed Graves disease in pregnancy
  4. DThe result shows severe primary hypothyroidism

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Unconjugated (indirect)
  2. 2. B · Anti-CCP antibodies
  3. 3. B · 2.0–3.0
  4. 4. B · Anti-HBs of 10 mIU/mL or more
  5. 5. C · Much calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
  6. 6. C · Magnesium
  7. 7. B · "I'll take my iron tablet with a big glass of milk"
  8. 8. B · hCG stimulates the thyroid in early pregnancy

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