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 chloride?

  1. AAbout 135–145 mEq/L
  2. BAbout 98–106 mEq/L
  3. CAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  4. DAbout 22–28 mEq/L
2.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for total serum calcium?

  1. AAbout 3.5–5.0 mg/dL (0.87–1.25 mmol/L)
  2. BAbout 8.5–10.5 mg/dL (2.1–2.6 mmol/L)
  3. CAbout 1.3–2.1 mg/dL (0.3–0.5 mmol/L)
  4. DAbout 12–16 mg/dL (3.0–4.0 mmol/L)
3.Easy

What is the purpose of a type and crossmatch before a transfusion?

  1. ATo test the donor blood for bacterial contamination only
  2. BTo find out how quickly the patient's blood forms a clot
  3. CTo check that donor blood is compatible with the patient's blood
  4. DTo measure how much iron is stored in the patient's bone marrow
4.Medium

A patient with central diabetes insipidus starts desmopressin. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor for an adverse effect?

  1. ASerum glucose, which may rise very high
  2. BSerum potassium, which may rise too high
  3. CSerum sodium, which may fall too low
  4. DSerum calcium, which may rise too high
5.Medium

When should blood cultures be taken for a patient with suspected sepsis?

  1. AAfter the first three doses of antibiotics
  2. BOnly if the fever lasts more than three days
  3. CBefore the first antibiotic dose, without delaying it much
  4. DAt any time, since antibiotics do not affect the result
6.Medium

A patient is on an IV insulin infusion protocol in the ICU. How often is the blood glucose usually checked?

  1. AAbout every hour
  2. BOnly if symptoms occur
  3. COnce every 12 hours
  4. DOnce a day before breakfast
7.Hard

A patient’s total calcium is 7.9 mg/dL (2.0 mmol/L), with an albumin of 2.4 g/dL (24 g/L) and no symptoms. Which test would best clarify whether true hypocalcemia is present?

  1. AAn ionized calcium
  2. BA urine specific gravity
  3. CAn HbA1c
  4. DA serum sodium
8.Hard

In the first 24 hours after a major burn, which laboratory pattern is most expected?

  1. ALow sodium and low hematocrit
  2. BHigh calcium and high albumin
  3. CHigh potassium and high hematocrit
  4. DLow potassium and low hematocrit

Answer key

  1. 1. B · About 98–106 mEq/L
  2. 2. B · About 8.5–10.5 mg/dL (2.1–2.6 mmol/L)
  3. 3. C · To check that donor blood is compatible with the patient's blood
  4. 4. C · Serum sodium, which may fall too low
  5. 5. C · Before the first antibiotic dose, without delaying it much
  6. 6. A · About every hour
  7. 7. A · An ionized calcium
  8. 8. C · High potassium and high hematocrit

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