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

In many US nursing references, what is the commonly cited therapeutic range for serum lithium in maintenance therapy?

  1. AAbout 2.0–3.0 mEq/L
  2. BAbout 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  3. CAbout 10–20 mEq/L
  4. DAbout 0.6–1.2 mEq/L
2.Easy

On a liver panel, "direct bilirubin" refers to which form of bilirubin?

  1. AUnconjugated bilirubin
  2. BConjugated bilirubin
  3. CBilirubin in the stool
  4. DTotal urine urobilinogen
3.Easy

In iron-deficiency anemia, the transferrin saturation is usually:

  1. ANormal
  2. BLow
  3. CVariable
  4. DHigh
4.Medium

A patient with suspected pulmonary TB needs sputum samples for acid-fast bacilli. Which instruction is correct?

  1. AGive one sample after brushing with mouthwash so it is clean
  2. BGive several samples of nasal mucus blown into a tissue
  3. CGive one sample of saliva collected from the mouth at any time of day
  4. DGive several deep-cough samples, often first thing in the morning
5.Medium

After surgery for colon cancer, a patient's CEA had fallen to normal, but it has been rising over the last two checks. What does this most likely suggest?

  1. APossible recurrence that needs further assessment
  2. BA sure sign that the cancer has been fully cured
  3. CA normal change after surgery that needs no follow-up
  4. DA sign of iron deficiency from the earlier bleeding
6.Medium

A nurse completed the hepatitis B vaccine series. Which result shows protective immunity?

  1. AA raised ALT level
  2. BAnti-HBs of 10 mIU/mL or more
  3. CA positive HBsAg test
  4. DA positive IgM anti-HBc
7.Hard

A patient has marked generalized edema. Results show heavy proteinuria, serum albumin 1.8 g/dL (18 g/L) and total cholesterol 340 mg/dL (8.8 mmol/L). Which condition fits best?

  1. ALiver cirrhosis only
  2. BPrerenal kidney injury
  3. CNephrotic syndrome
  4. DAcute pyelonephritis
8.Hard

At the start of a shift, the nurse reviews four new results. Which patient needs attention first?

  1. AHemoglobin 11.0 g/dL (110 g/L) in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
  2. BPotassium 5.2 mEq/L in a patient with stable chronic kidney disease
  3. CGlucose 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) after a meal in a patient with diabetes
  4. DSodium 119 mEq/L in a patient with new confusion and vomiting

Answer key

  1. 1. D · About 0.6–1.2 mEq/L
  2. 2. B · Conjugated bilirubin
  3. 3. B · Low
  4. 4. D · Give several deep-cough samples, often first thing in the morning
  5. 5. A · Possible recurrence that needs further assessment
  6. 6. B · Anti-HBs of 10 mIU/mL or more
  7. 7. C · Nephrotic syndrome
  8. 8. D · Sodium 119 mEq/L in a patient with new confusion and vomiting

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