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

A blood lactate level above about which value is usually considered raised in an adult?

  1. A10 mmol/L
  2. B2 mmol/L
  3. C0.2 mmol/L
  4. D20 mmol/L
2.Easy

Chronic kidney disease is usually defined by an eGFR below which value for more than 3 months?

  1. A60 mL/min/1.73 m²
  2. B90 mL/min/1.73 m²
  3. C120 mL/min/1.73 m²
  4. D15 mL/min/1.73 m²
3.Easy

What does a "stat" laboratory order mean?

  1. AThe test is done at night
  2. BThe test is done immediately
  3. CThe test is done if time allows
  4. DThe test is done next week
4.Medium

A patient with sickle cell disease takes hydroxyurea. Which laboratory test is monitored regularly for an adverse effect?

  1. ASerum amylase level
  2. BUrine ketone level
  3. CComplete blood count
  4. DSerum lithium level
5.Medium

A breathless patient in the emergency department has a BNP below 100 pg/mL. What does this suggest?

  1. AThe kidneys are failing and the patient needs dialysis
  2. BHeart failure is an unlikely cause of the breathlessness
  3. CThe patient has had a myocardial infarction in the past day
  4. DSevere heart failure is certainly the cause of the problem
6.Medium

A patient receives repeated nebulized albuterol (salbutamol) for severe asthma. Which laboratory change should the nurse watch for?

  1. AA rise in serum sodium
  2. BA rise in serum calcium
  3. CA fall in serum potassium
  4. DA fall in blood glucose
7.Hard

A patient with alcohol use disorder has a potassium of 3.0 mEq/L despite two days of replacement. The magnesium is 0.9 mEq/L. What is the most appropriate next step?

  1. AGive a diuretic to remove the excess magnesium
  2. BReplace the magnesium; low magnesium keeps the kidneys losing potassium
  3. CStop all electrolyte replacement for 24 hours and recheck
  4. DDouble the potassium dose and leave the magnesium for later
8.Hard

A patient's creatinine was 0.9 mg/dL (80 µmol/L) on admission and is 1.3 mg/dL (115 µmol/L) 36 hours later. Using the common KDIGO criteria, what does this show?

  1. AA laboratory error, because creatinine cannot change within 2 days
  2. BAcute kidney injury, because it rose by at least 0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours
  3. CChronic kidney disease, because creatinine has risen above baseline
  4. DNo kidney injury, because the creatinine is still within the normal range

Answer key

  1. 1. B · 2 mmol/L
  2. 2. A · 60 mL/min/1.73 m²
  3. 3. B · The test is done immediately
  4. 4. C · Complete blood count
  5. 5. B · Heart failure is an unlikely cause of the breathlessness
  6. 6. C · A fall in serum potassium
  7. 7. B · Replace the magnesium; low magnesium keeps the kidneys losing potassium
  8. 8. B · Acute kidney injury, because it rose by at least 0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours

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