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 the usual urine dipstick result for protein in a healthy adult?

  1. APositive only in the morning
  2. BNegative or trace
  3. CStrongly positive (+++)
  4. DAlways moderately positive
2.Easy

Which fasting triglyceride level is commonly described as normal?

  1. AAbove 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
  2. BBelow 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  3. CAbove 1,000 mg/dL (11.3 mmol/L)
  4. DBetween 200 and 499 mg/dL (2.3–5.6 mmol/L)
3.Easy

What is the typical range of urine pH?

  1. AAbout 4.5–8.0
  2. BAbout 7.35–7.45
  3. CAbout 9.0–11.0
  4. DAbout 1.0–2.0
4.Medium

A patient on phenytoin has a level of 28 mcg/mL (usual range about 10–20 mcg/mL). Which findings would the nurse expect?

  1. ANystagmus, unsteady gait and slurred speech
  2. BHunger and weight gain
  3. CTall, peaked T waves
  4. DHyperactive behavior and insomnia only
5.Medium

A patient on warfarin started eating large daily portions of kale and spinach. The INR has fallen. What advice is most appropriate?

  1. AKeep the intake of vitamin K–rich foods steady from day to day
  2. BDouble the warfarin dose without telling the prescriber
  3. CStop warfarin until the diet is normal
  4. DNever eat green vegetables again
6.Medium

A patient taking spironolactone asks about using a salt substitute. What should the nurse explain?

  1. ASalt substitutes are safe because they contain only sodium chloride
  2. BSalt substitutes are fine as long as the patient drinks more water
  3. CMost salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high
  4. DSalt substitutes protect against the potassium loss caused by this drug
7.Hard

A patient on a heparin infusion has a platelet count that falls from 260 to 110 × 10³/µL on day 7. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. AGive a platelet transfusion and continue the heparin
  2. BContinue the infusion and increase the rate as per protocol
  3. CReport it at once: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is possible
  4. DTake no action, because the count is still just above 100 × 10³/µL
8.Hard

During an IV magnesium sulfate infusion, which assessment best detects toxicity early?

  1. ABowel sounds and abdominal girth
  2. BKnee reflexes, respiratory rate and urine output
  3. CSkin color and capillary refill every hour
  4. DBlood glucose and pupil size every hour

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Negative or trace
  2. 2. B · Below 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  3. 3. A · About 4.5–8.0
  4. 4. A · Nystagmus, unsteady gait and slurred speech
  5. 5. A · Keep the intake of vitamin K–rich foods steady from day to day
  6. 6. C · Most salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high
  7. 7. C · Report it at once: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is possible
  8. 8. B · Knee reflexes, respiratory rate and urine output

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