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

Why is serum creatinine a better marker of kidney function than BUN?

  1. AIt is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut
  2. BIt is not filtered by the kidneys, so its level stays very stable
  3. CIt is made by the liver, so it rises in every kind of illness
  4. DIt is affected mainly by protein intake, which is easy to control
2.Easy

Which tube additive is used for a complete blood count (CBC)?

  1. ANo additive, clot activator (red top)
  2. BSodium fluoride (usually a gray top)
  3. CEDTA (usually a lavender or purple top)
  4. DSodium citrate (usually a light blue top)
3.Easy

Which type of white blood cell is normally the most numerous in an adult's blood?

  1. AEosinophils
  2. BNeutrophils
  3. CLymphocytes
  4. DMonocytes
4.Medium

A patient receiving chemotherapy has an ANC of 300/µL and a new temperature of 38.3 °C (100.9 °F). What should the nurse do first?

  1. AEncourage oral fluids and record the fever in the chart
  2. BGive acetaminophen (paracetamol) and recheck the temperature in 4 hours
  3. CReport it at once so cultures and antibiotics start quickly
  4. DRemove extra blankets and offer a tepid sponge bath
5.Medium

A patient with a low clinical probability of deep vein thrombosis has a normal (negative) D-dimer. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  2. BThe test is useless and should always be ignored
  3. CA DVT is confirmed and anticoagulation is needed
  4. DA pulmonary embolism is now certain to be present
6.Medium

Which treatment lowers serum potassium by moving it into the cells?

  1. AIV 0.45% sodium chloride infusion
  2. BIV regular insulin given with glucose
  3. COral potassium chloride supplements
  4. DIV calcium gluconate given over 10 minutes
7.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient starting lithium. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I will check with the pharmacist before taking ibuprofen"
  2. B"I will drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather"
  3. C"I will cut out salt from my diet completely to stay healthy"
  4. D"I will tell my doctor if I have vomiting or diarrhea"
8.Hard

A 68-year-old man has fatigue, a hemoglobin of 9.8 g/dL (98 g/L), an MCV of 72 fL and a low ferritin. He eats a normal diet. What is the most important next step?

  1. AStart vitamin B12 injections
  2. BGive iron and do no further tests at all
  3. CLook for a source of blood loss in the gut
  4. DRepeat the blood count in one year

Answer key

  1. 1. A · It is less affected by diet, hydration and bleeding in the gut
  2. 2. C · EDTA (usually a lavender or purple top)
  3. 3. B · Neutrophils
  4. 4. C · Report it at once so cultures and antibiotics start quickly
  5. 5. A · A DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  6. 6. B · IV regular insulin given with glucose
  7. 7. C · "I will cut out salt from my diet completely to stay healthy"
  8. 8. C · Look for a source of blood loss in the gut

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