Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A raised serum uric acid is most closely linked to which condition?

1. AGout
2. BHypothyroidism
3. CIron-deficiency anemia
4. DOsteoporosis

Serum creatinine comes mainly from:

1. AThe normal breakdown of creatine in muscle
2. BThe digestion of protein by gut bacteria
3. CThe breakdown of old red cells in the spleen
4. DThe breakdown of dietary fat in the liver

What is a typical adult reference range for serum creatinine?

1. AAbout 3.5–5.0 mg/dL
2. BAbout 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
3. CAbout 10–20 mg/dL
4. DAbout 135–145 mg/dL

Why must a low total calcium be interpreted with care in a patient with a low serum albumin?

1. AMuch calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
2. BLow albumin always causes true, symptomatic hypocalcemia
3. CLow albumin makes every calcium test inaccurate and useless
4. DAlbumin and calcium are measured with the same chemical reaction, so they always fall together

A patient has a calcium of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L) and tingling around the mouth. Which nursing measure is most appropriate?

1. APromote walking to move calcium back into the bone
2. BPut seizure precautions in place and report the result
3. CEncourage 3 L of fluid per day to dilute the calcium
4. DLimit dairy products until the level falls again

A patient on a heparin infusion has blood in the urine and an aPTT far above the target. The nurse stops the infusion and informs the provider. Which antidote should the nurse anticipate?

1. AVitamin K (phytonadione)
2. BCalcium gluconate
3. CNaloxone
4. DProtamine sulfate

A patient has a hemoglobin of 11.2 g/dL (112 g/L), an MCV of 64 fL, a normal ferritin and a normal-to-high red cell count. What is the most likely cause?

1. AVitamin B₁₂ deficiency
2. BIron deficiency
3. CAcute blood loss
4. DThalassemia trait

A patient with severe vomiting has a potassium of 3.0 mEq/L, a chloride of 88 mEq/L and a high bicarbonate. What pattern does this show?

1. ANormal results that need no follow-up
2. BLoss of stomach acid: low potassium and chloride, metabolic alkalosis
3. CHigh potassium with metabolic acidosis caused by dehydration
4. DDiabetic ketoacidosis with a high anion gap