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

What is a typical adult reference range for serum chloride?

  1. AAbout 98–106 mEq/L
  2. BAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  3. CAbout 22–28 mEq/L
  4. DAbout 135–145 mEq/L
2.Easy

At what time of day is serum cortisol normally highest?

  1. AAfter the evening meal
  2. BAround midnight
  3. CLate afternoon
  4. DEarly morning
3.Easy

The tumor marker CA-125 is most often used to follow which cancer?

  1. AOvarian cancer
  2. BColon cancer
  3. CThyroid cancer
  4. DLung cancer
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 ruled out, so no further troponin tests are needed
  2. BThe patient can be discharged home straight away
  3. CTroponin is not useful in patients with chest pain
  4. DInfarction is not ruled out; troponin is repeated per protocol
5.Medium

A patient with hyperkalemia received IV regular insulin with dextrose. Which result must the nurse monitor closely over the next hours?

  1. AHemoglobin, because insulin causes red cell loss
  2. BBlood glucose, because hypoglycemia can occur
  3. CSerum calcium, because it falls sharply
  4. DSerum sodium, because it rises quickly
6.Medium

A patient with cirrhosis has an albumin of 2.2 g/dL (22 g/L). Which finding is most likely related?

  1. AEdema and ascites
  2. BIncreased urine output
  3. CHyperkalemia
  4. DHigh blood pressure
7.Hard

A patient with jaundice and nausea has a positive IgM antibody to hepatitis A virus (IgM anti-HAV). What does this show?

  1. AA current or recent hepatitis A infection
  2. BPast hepatitis B infection that has cleared
  3. CChronic hepatitis A lasting many years
  4. DImmunity from hepatitis A vaccine long ago
8.Hard

A patient has fatigue, weight gain and constipation. Results: TSH 24 mIU/L, free T4 low, total cholesterol 285 mg/dL (7.4 mmol/L), sodium 131 mEq/L. What is the best interpretation?

  1. APrimary hypothyroidism, which can raise lipids and lower sodium
  2. BFamilial hypercholesterolemia, unrelated to the thyroid results
  3. CHyperthyroidism, with suppressed thyroid hormone production
  4. DSecondary hypothyroidism from failure of the pituitary gland

Answer key

  1. 1. A · About 98–106 mEq/L
  2. 2. D · Early morning
  3. 3. A · Ovarian cancer
  4. 4. D · Infarction is not ruled out; troponin is repeated per protocol
  5. 5. B · Blood glucose, because hypoglycemia can occur
  6. 6. A · Edema and ascites
  7. 7. A · A current or recent hepatitis A infection
  8. 8. A · Primary hypothyroidism, which can raise lipids and lower sodium

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