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

What is a typical adult reference range for serum potassium?

  1. A135–145 mEq/L
  2. B1.3–2.1 mEq/L
  3. C6.0–8.0 mEq/L
  4. D3.5–5.0 mEq/L
2.Easy

Which blood test is usually the first test used to screen thyroid function?

  1. ASerum calcium
  2. BThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  3. CHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  4. DSerum cortisol
3.Easy

What is a "critical value" (panic value) in laboratory reporting?

  1. AAny result that is slightly outside the laboratory reference range
  2. BA result so abnormal that it may threaten life and needs prompt action
  3. CA result that the laboratory could not measure because of a bad sample
  4. DA result that is normal but differs from the patient's last value
4.Medium

The heparin infusion rate was changed according to protocol. When is the aPTT usually rechecked?

  1. AAbout 3 days after the change
  2. BOnly after the infusion is stopped
  3. CAbout 30 minutes after the change
  4. DAbout 6 hours after the change
5.Medium

When several samples are drawn at the same venipuncture, which tubes or bottles are filled first?

  1. ABlood culture bottles
  2. BFluoride (glucose) tubes
  3. CEDTA (complete blood count) tubes
  4. DCoagulation (citrate) tubes
6.Medium

Why do patients with chronic kidney disease often have anemia?

  1. AThe kidneys make less erythropoietin, which drives red cell production
  2. BUremic toxins make the bone marrow produce white cells instead of red cells
  3. CThe damaged kidneys filter out and destroy red blood cells
  4. DHigh potassium in kidney disease breaks down red cells
7.Hard

Which patient should the nurse assess first?

  1. AHypertension with a potassium of 3.6 mEq/L on a thiazide
  2. BStable angina with a total cholesterol of 245 mg/dL (6.3 mmol/L)
  3. CHeart failure with a BNP lower than the result on admission
  4. DChest pain with troponin rising from the first to the second sample
8.Hard

A patient with blood pressure that is hard to control has a potassium of 2.9 mEq/L, a sodium of 144 mEq/L and a raised serum bicarbonate, without taking a diuretic. Which condition is most likely?

  1. ACentral diabetes insipidus
  2. BPrimary adrenal insufficiency
  3. CSyndrome of inappropriate ADH
  4. DPrimary hyperaldosteronism

Answer key

  1. 1. D · 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  2. 2. B · Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  3. 3. B · A result so abnormal that it may threaten life and needs prompt action
  4. 4. D · About 6 hours after the change
  5. 5. A · Blood culture bottles
  6. 6. A · The kidneys make less erythropoietin, which drives red cell production
  7. 7. D · Chest pain with troponin rising from the first to the second sample
  8. 8. D · Primary hyperaldosteronism

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