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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1.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

  1. AAbout 0.01–0.04 mIU/L
  2. BAbout 10–20 mIU/L
  3. CAbout 40–80 mIU/L
  4. DAbout 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
2.Easy

In iron-deficiency anemia, the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is usually:

  1. AHigh
  2. BNormal
  3. CLow
  4. DAbsent
3.Easy

A urine dipstick is positive for leukocyte esterase. What does this show?

  1. ARed blood cells are present in the urine
  2. BWhite blood cells are present in the urine
  3. CProtein is leaking through the glomeruli
  4. DBilirubin is being passed in the urine
4.Medium

A patient with chest pain that started one hour ago has a normal first troponin. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. AInfarction is not ruled out; troponin is repeated per protocol
  2. BTroponin is not useful in patients with chest pain
  3. CThe patient can be discharged home straight away
  4. DInfarction is ruled out, so no further troponin tests are needed
5.Medium

How should a blood sample for serum ammonia be handled?

  1. AShaken firmly to mix it before it is sent away
  2. BLeft at room temperature for several hours first
  3. CPlaced on ice and sent to the laboratory at once
  4. DKept warm and sent with the next routine batch
6.Medium

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

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

A patient with right upper abdominal pain from gallstones now has jaundice, a total bilirubin of 4.8 mg/dL (82 µmol/L) and a raised ALP. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AHemolysis caused by the gallstones
  2. BUncomplicated gallbladder inflammation
  3. CGilbert syndrome triggered by pain
  4. DA stone blocking the common bile duct
8.Hard

A patient's bedside glucose meter shows "HI" (above its measuring range). The patient is drowsy. What should the nurse do?

  1. AAssume the meter is broken and give the usual insulin dose
  2. BGive oral glucose in case the reading is wrong and the patient is low
  3. CRecord "HI" and repeat the meter test at the next scheduled time
  4. DSend a venous sample to the lab and inform the provider at once

Answer key

  1. 1. D · About 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
  2. 2. A · High
  3. 3. B · White blood cells are present in the urine
  4. 4. A · Infarction is not ruled out; troponin is repeated per protocol
  5. 5. C · Placed on ice and sent to the laboratory at once
  6. 6. D · Most salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high
  7. 7. D · A stone blocking the common bile duct
  8. 8. D · Send a venous sample to the lab and inform the provider at once

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