Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What is the commonly cited therapeutic range for total serum valproate (valproic acid) in epilepsy?

1. AAbout 50–100 mcg/mL (mg/L)
2. BAbout 500–1000 mcg/mL (mg/L)
3. CAbout 0.6–1.2 mcg/mL (mg/L)
4. DAbout 5–10 mcg/mL (mg/L)

When a blood pressure cuff is inflated on the arm, the patient’s hand goes into a spasm with the wrist flexed. Which electrolyte disorder does this sign suggest?

1. AHyperkalemia
2. BHypocalcemia
3. CHypernatremia
4. DHypercalcemia

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

1. AEDTA (usually a lavender or purple top)
2. BSodium citrate (usually a light blue top)
3. CSodium fluoride (usually a gray top)
4. DNo additive, clot activator (red top)

A patient on a heparin infusion has blood in the urine and an aPTT far above the target. The nurse stops the infusion and informs the provider. Which antidote should the nurse anticipate?

1. AProtamine sulfate
2. BNaloxone
3. CVitamin K (phytonadione)
4. DCalcium gluconate

A patient with diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL (2.1 mmol/L). Which treatment is appropriate?

1. AA dose of rapid-acting insulin to stabilize the glucose
2. BOrange juice poured slowly into the patient's mouth
3. CGlucose tablets placed between the patient's teeth
4. DGlucagon by injection, or IV dextrose as prescribed

For most hospitalized adults with diabetes who are critically ill, which glucose target range is commonly recommended?

1. AAbout 300–350 mg/dL (16.7–19.4 mmol/L)
2. BAbout 140–180 mg/dL (7.8–10 mmol/L)
3. CAbout 60–80 mg/dL (3.3–4.4 mmol/L)
4. DAbout 250–300 mg/dL (13.9–16.7 mmol/L)

Two days after bowel surgery, a patient with nasogastric suction has a distended abdomen, absent bowel sounds and muscle weakness. The potassium is 2.8 mEq/L. Which interpretation is best?

1. AHypokalemia from gastric losses is contributing to paralytic ileus
2. BHyperkalemia from tissue damage is causing the bowel to stop
3. CThe low potassium is due to the patient drinking too much water
4. DThe potassium is normal for the second day after surgery

An older adult with type 2 diabetes is drowsy and very dehydrated. Glucose 920 mg/dL (51 mmol/L), serum osmolality 350 mOsm/kg, pH 7.36, urine ketones negative or trace. Which condition fits best?

1. AHyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
2. BDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
3. CSyndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
4. DMetformin-related lactic acidosis