Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A serum sodium of 128 mEq/L is called:

1. AHyperkalemia
2. BHypokalemia
3. CHyponatremia
4. DHypernatremia

A laboratory flags a result as high using its own reference range, but the value is inside the range in your textbook. Which range should you use for this patient?

1. AThe range used at the hospital where you trained
2. BThe reference range of the laboratory that ran the test
3. CThe widest range that you can find in any source
4. DThe textbook range, because textbooks are the national standard

Which hemoglobin value in an adult man is within the typical reference range?

1. A15.0 g/dL (150 g/L)
2. B9.0 g/dL (90 g/L)
3. C20.5 g/dL (205 g/L)
4. D5.5 g/dL (55 g/L)

How does IV calcium gluconate help a patient with severe hyperkalemia?

1. AIt stabilizes heart cell membranes without lowering potassium
2. BIt moves potassium from the blood into the cells
3. CIt increases potassium excretion by the kidneys
4. DIt binds potassium in the gut so that it is passed in the stool

A patient taking spironolactone asks about using a salt substitute. What should the nurse explain?

1. ASalt substitutes are fine as long as the patient drinks more water
2. BSalt substitutes are safe because they contain only sodium chloride
3. CSalt substitutes protect against the potassium loss caused by this drug
4. DMost salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high

A urine culture report states "mixed growth of three organisms, likely contamination." What is the nurse's best response?

1. ARecord the result as a confirmed urinary tract infection
2. BInform the provider and arrange a new, correctly collected sample
3. CDiscard the report, because a mixed growth is always normal
4. DStart treatment for all three organisms with three antibiotics

A patient on long-term amiodarone has fatigue and weight gain. TSH is 11 mIU/L and the free T₄ is low. What is the most likely explanation?

1. AA normal response to amiodarone needing no action
2. BAmiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism
3. CSecondary hypothyroidism from pituitary failure
4. DAmiodarone-induced hypothyroidism

A patient with chronic kidney disease stage 4 has a high phosphate, a low-normal calcium and a very high parathyroid hormone (PTH). What does this show?

1. AVitamin D toxicity from supplements
2. BPrimary hyperparathyroidism from a tumor
3. CHypoparathyroidism after neck surgery
4. DSecondary hyperparathyroidism from CKD