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

What is the difference between serum and plasma?

  1. APlasma is the fluid left after blood clots, without fibrinogen
  2. BSerum and plasma are two names for exactly the same fluid
  3. CSerum is what is left after blood clots, minus clotting factors
  4. DSerum contains all the red cells, while plasma contains none
2.Easy

Which hemoglobin value in an adult man is within the typical reference range?

  1. A9.0 g/dL (90 g/L)
  2. B20.5 g/dL (205 g/L)
  3. C5.5 g/dL (55 g/L)
  4. D15.0 g/dL (150 g/L)
3.Easy

What does the term "thrombocytosis" mean?

  1. AA low red cell count
  2. BA low platelet count
  3. CA high white cell count
  4. DA high platelet count
4.Medium

A patient’s fasting glucose today is 98 mg/dL (5.4 mmol/L), but the HbA1c is 8.9% (74 mmol/mol). What is the best interpretation?

  1. AToday’s good result shows that diabetes is well controlled
  2. BThe patient does not have diabetes
  3. CThe HbA1c reflects only the past 24 hours
  4. DGlucose control has been poor over the past 2–3 months
5.Medium

A patient has started parenteral nutrition (PN) through a central line. Which test is monitored most frequently in the first days?

  1. AThyroid hormones
  2. BSerum lipase
  3. CHemoglobin A1c
  4. DBlood glucose
6.Medium

A urine culture is ordered for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. How should the nurse collect the sample?

  1. ADisconnect the catheter from the tubing and let it drain
  2. BAspirate from the sampling port with a sterile syringe
  3. CRemove the catheter and culture the catheter tip
  4. DPour urine from the drainage bag into a sterile cup
7.Hard

Four patients had a thyroidectomy earlier today. Which result should the nurse act on first?

  1. ACalcium 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) with tingling lips
  2. BHemoglobin 12.1 g/dL (121 g/L) after surgery
  3. CSodium 136 mEq/L on IV fluids after surgery
  4. DGlucose 145 mg/dL (8.0 mmol/L) after surgery
8.Hard

A patient on IV gentamicin has a trough level above the target, and the creatinine has risen since yesterday. The next dose is due. What is the best action?

  1. AGive the dose with extra oral fluids to protect the kidneys
  2. BGive the dose now and recheck the levels next week
  3. CGive half of the dose and document the reason for it
  4. DHold the dose and report the results to the prescriber

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Serum is what is left after blood clots, minus clotting factors
  2. 2. D · 15.0 g/dL (150 g/L)
  3. 3. D · A high platelet count
  4. 4. D · Glucose control has been poor over the past 2–3 months
  5. 5. D · Blood glucose
  6. 6. B · Aspirate from the sampling port with a sterile syringe
  7. 7. A · Calcium 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) with tingling lips
  8. 8. D · Hold the dose and report the results to the prescriber

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