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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which blood test is the usual measure of a person's vitamin D status?

  1. A1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
  2. BParathyroid hormone
  3. C25-hydroxyvitamin D
  4. DSerum phosphate
2.Easy

What is the difference between serum and plasma?

  1. ASerum and plasma are two names for exactly the same fluid
  2. BSerum is what is left after blood clots, minus clotting factors
  3. CPlasma is the fluid left after blood clots, without fibrinogen
  4. DSerum contains all the red cells, while plasma contains none
3.Easy

Which statement about HDL cholesterol is correct?

  1. AIt should ideally be kept below 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)
  2. BIt is the same as the fasting triglyceride level
  3. CHigher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  4. DHigher levels are the main cause of plaque in the arteries
4.Medium

A patient had a total thyroidectomy yesterday. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in the first days after surgery?

  1. ASerum sodium
  2. BSerum calcium
  3. CSerum glucose
  4. DSerum potassium
5.Medium

When several samples are drawn at the same venipuncture, which tubes or bottles are filled first?

  1. ABlood culture bottles
  2. BEDTA (complete blood count) tubes
  3. CCoagulation (citrate) tubes
  4. DFluoride (glucose) tubes
6.Medium

A woman who is 30 weeks pregnant has a new blood pressure of 152/98 mm Hg. Which urine finding would most support preeclampsia?

  1. ANitrites in the urine
  2. BProtein in the urine
  3. CGlucose in the urine
  4. DKetones in the urine
7.Hard

A patient with a long-standing lung condition has a serum bicarbonate of 32 mEq/L, an arterial PaCO₂ that is always high and a pH of 7.36. Which condition fits best?

  1. AAcute severe diarrhea with large bicarbonate losses
  2. BCOPD with chronic CO₂ retention and metabolic compensation
  3. CAcute aspirin overdose with rapid breathing
  4. DAcute diabetic ketoacidosis with severe dehydration and vomiting
8.Hard

A patient with a calcium of 6.8 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) suddenly develops noisy breathing and a hoarse voice. What does this suggest?

  1. AA normal response that will pass without treatment
  2. BLaryngospasm, an emergency needing urgent help and IV calcium
  3. CA common cold that started this morning
  4. DAnxiety about the blood results, which needs calm reassurance

Answer key

  1. 1. C · 25-hydroxyvitamin D
  2. 2. B · Serum is what is left after blood clots, minus clotting factors
  3. 3. C · Higher levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease
  4. 4. B · Serum calcium
  5. 5. A · Blood culture bottles
  6. 6. B · Protein in the urine
  7. 7. B · COPD with chronic CO₂ retention and metabolic compensation
  8. 8. B · Laryngospasm, an emergency needing urgent help and IV calcium

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