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

How does dehydration usually affect the hematocrit?

  1. AIt has no effect
  2. BIt lowers it
  3. CIt raises it
  4. DIt makes it zero
2.Easy

Which ECG change is typical of hypokalemia?

  1. AST elevation in two or more neighboring leads
  2. BTall, peaked T waves and a wide QRS
  3. CDelta waves and a short PR interval
  4. DFlattened T waves and prominent U waves
3.Easy

A positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test means:

  1. AThe person has never met the virus
  2. BThe person currently has hepatitis B infection
  3. CThe person is immune from vaccination only
  4. DThe person had hepatitis A in the past
4.Medium

Which finding during a transfusion suggests transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)?

  1. AA low temperature and slow heart rate
  2. BBack pain with dark red urine output
  3. CHives and itching without other signs
  4. DCrackles, hypertension and a raised BNP
5.Medium

A patient scheduled for surgery this morning has a potassium of 3.0 mEq/L on pre-operative tests. What should the nurse do?

  1. ASend the patient to surgery without comment
  2. BReport it to the surgical team before surgery
  3. CGive an oral potassium dose without a prescription
  4. DRepeat the test after the surgery is finished
6.Medium

A patient with central diabetes insipidus starts desmopressin. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor for an adverse effect?

  1. ASerum sodium, which may fall too low
  2. BSerum calcium, which may rise too high
  3. CSerum potassium, which may rise too high
  4. DSerum glucose, which may rise very high
7.Hard

An older adult with type 2 diabetes is drowsy and very dehydrated. Glucose 920 mg/dL (51 mmol/L), serum osmolality 350 mOsm/kg, pH 7.36, urine ketones negative or trace. Which condition fits best?

  1. AMetformin-related lactic acidosis
  2. BDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
  3. CSyndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
  4. DHyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
8.Hard

A patient on digoxin has a level of 1.2 ng/mL, a potassium of 2.8 mEq/L and new frequent ventricular ectopic beats. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AThe patient needs a higher digoxin dose to control the rhythm
  2. BToxicity is possible, because low potassium increases digoxin’s effect
  3. CPotassium has no effect on the heart rhythm
  4. DDigoxin cannot be the cause, because the level is within the usual range

Answer key

  1. 1. C · It raises it
  2. 2. D · Flattened T waves and prominent U waves
  3. 3. B · The person currently has hepatitis B infection
  4. 4. D · Crackles, hypertension and a raised BNP
  5. 5. B · Report it to the surgical team before surgery
  6. 6. A · Serum sodium, which may fall too low
  7. 7. D · Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
  8. 8. B · Toxicity is possible, because low potassium increases digoxin’s effect

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