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

A raised procalcitonin level most strongly suggests:

  1. AIron-deficiency anemia
  2. BA viral common cold
  3. CA bacterial infection
  4. DAn allergic reaction
2.Easy

In the US (NCEP ATP III) classification, which total cholesterol level is called desirable for an adult?

  1. ABetween 250 and 300 mg/dL (6.5–7.8 mmol/L)
  2. BBelow 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)
  3. CAbove 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L)
  4. DBelow 300 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
3.Easy

What does a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) show?

  1. AA low level of iron stored in the bone marrow
  2. BDamage to heart muscle within the past few hours
  3. CA specific infection of the urinary tract by bacteria
  4. DInflammation somewhere in the body, without showing where
4.Medium

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

  1. AOral potassium chloride supplements
  2. BIV regular insulin given with glucose
  3. CIV 0.45% sodium chloride infusion
  4. DIV calcium gluconate given over 10 minutes
5.Medium

A patient with type 2 diabetes has a target HbA1c below 7% (53 mmol/mol). Today's result is 7.8% (62 mmol/mol). What is the best interpretation?

  1. AAverage glucose over the past months has been above the target
  2. BGlucose control has been excellent for the past several months
  3. CThe patient has had frequent episodes of severe hypoglycemia
  4. DThe result shows today's fasting glucose is above the target
6.Medium

When should a blood sample for a digoxin level be drawn to be interpreted correctly?

  1. AOnly after a meal, because food is needed for absorption
  2. BAt least 6–8 hours after a dose, often just before the next one
  3. CWithin 30 minutes after an oral dose to show the peak level
  4. DAt any time, because digoxin levels do not change during the day
7.Hard

A patient with right upper abdominal pain from gallstones now has jaundice, a total bilirubin of 4.8 mg/dL (82 µmol/L) and a raised ALP. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AHemolysis caused by the gallstones
  2. BA stone blocking the common bile duct
  3. CUncomplicated gallbladder inflammation
  4. DGilbert syndrome triggered by pain
8.Hard

A patient on high-dose dexamethasone has a white cell count of 15 × 10³/µL, mostly mature neutrophils with no bands. They have no fever and no signs of infection. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. AA new leukemia that is confirmed by this result alone
  2. BA laboratory error, because steroids always lower the white count
  3. CA steroid effect that moves neutrophils into the circulating blood
  4. DCertain sepsis that needs antibiotics started without delay

Answer key

  1. 1. C · A bacterial infection
  2. 2. B · Below 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)
  3. 3. D · Inflammation somewhere in the body, without showing where
  4. 4. B · IV regular insulin given with glucose
  5. 5. A · Average glucose over the past months has been above the target
  6. 6. B · At least 6–8 hours after a dose, often just before the next one
  7. 7. B · A stone blocking the common bile duct
  8. 8. C · A steroid effect that moves neutrophils into the circulating blood

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