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

In iron-deficiency anemia, the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is usually:

  1. ALow
  2. BHigh
  3. CAbsent
  4. DNormal
2.Easy

An older adult is found on the floor after lying there for many hours. Which blood test best shows breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis)?

  1. ASerum lipase
  2. BHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  3. CSerum albumin
  4. DCreatine kinase (CK)
3.Easy

Which drug is routinely monitored with blood levels because of its narrow therapeutic range?

  1. ALoratadine
  2. BLithium
  3. CAmoxicillin
  4. DOmeprazole
4.Medium

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

  1. ABlood glucose
  2. BSerum lipase
  3. CThyroid hormones
  4. DHemoglobin A1c
5.Medium

A young adult with new diabetes has a very low C-peptide level. What does this suggest?

  1. AThe kidneys are excreting all of the patient's insulin in urine
  2. BThe pancreas is making very little insulin, as in type 1 diabetes
  3. CThe patient is injecting too much insulin and needs a lower dose
  4. DThe patient has high insulin resistance, as in type 2 diabetes
6.Medium

A patient receives subcutaneous enoxaparin (a low-molecular-weight heparin). Which statement about monitoring is correct?

  1. ANo routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  2. BThe INR is used to adjust each dose, as with warfarin
  3. CNo blood tests of any kind are ever needed
  4. DThe aPTT must be checked every 6 hours to adjust the dose
7.Hard

A young adult has fatigue, bruising and fever. The white cell count is 85 × 10³/µL with many blasts, the hemoglobin is 7.9 g/dL (79 g/L) and the platelets are 22 × 10³/µL. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. AAcute viral infection
  2. BAcute leukemia
  3. CIron-deficiency anemia
  4. DPolycythemia vera
8.Hard

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

  1. AHemoglobin 12.1 g/dL (121 g/L) after surgery
  2. BGlucose 145 mg/dL (8.0 mmol/L) after surgery
  3. CSodium 136 mEq/L on IV fluids after surgery
  4. DCalcium 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) with tingling lips

Answer key

  1. 1. B · High
  2. 2. D · Creatine kinase (CK)
  3. 3. B · Lithium
  4. 4. A · Blood glucose
  5. 5. B · The pancreas is making very little insulin, as in type 1 diabetes
  6. 6. A · No routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  7. 7. B · Acute leukemia
  8. 8. D · Calcium 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) with tingling lips

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