Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

The sweat chloride test is used to diagnose which condition?

1. ASickle cell disease
2. BDiabetes mellitus
3. CCystic fibrosis
4. DHypothyroidism

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

1. AUnconjugated (indirect)
2. BUrine bilirubin
3. CStool bilirubin
4. DConjugated (direct)

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency typically causes which type of anemia?

1. AAplastic anemia, with an empty bone marrow
2. BMicrocytic anemia, with small red cells
3. CMacrocytic anemia, with large red cells
4. DHemolytic anemia, with destroyed red cells

A patient starts high-dose prednisone. Which laboratory change should the nurse expect?

1. AA rise in serum potassium
2. BA fall in serum sodium
3. CA rise in blood glucose
4. DA fall in the white cell count

A patient on warfarin for atrial fibrillation has a target INR of 2.0–3.0. How does the usual target for a patient with a mechanical mitral valve compare?

1. AThe same, 2.0–3.0
2. BMuch higher, about 5.0–6.0
3. CLower, about 1.0–1.5
4. DHigher, about 2.5–3.5

A woman with hyperemesis gravidarum has vomited for 3 days. Which urine finding would the nurse expect?

1. ANitrites
2. BBilirubin
3. CKetones
4. DRed cell casts

A patient with a sodium of 132 mEq/L and blood glucose of 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L) is admitted. Why is the sodium value interpreted with care?

1. AHigh glucose draws water into the blood, diluting the sodium
2. BGlucose has no effect on the measured sodium
3. CHigh glucose raises the measured sodium falsely, so it is really lower
4. DThe sodium result must be a laboratory error

After lying on the floor for many hours, a patient has a CK of 40,000 U/L, a potassium of 6.1 mEq/L and dark urine. Which prescribed treatment is the priority?

1. AAn oral potassium supplement with each meal
2. BFluid restriction to protect the heart from overload
3. CHigh-dose NSAIDs for the muscle pain
4. DLarge-volume IV fluids with cardiac monitoring