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 laboratory test is traditionally used to adjust a continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin?

  1. AInternational normalized ratio (INR)
  2. BErythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  3. CPlatelet function assay (PFA-100 test)
  4. DActivated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
2.Easy

Which drug commonly causes a low serum potassium?

  1. ASpironolactone
  2. BFurosemide
  3. CAmiloride
  4. DLisinopril
3.Easy

What is the main role of platelets?

  1. ATo form a plug at the site of vessel injury
  2. BTo produce antibodies against bacteria and viruses
  3. CTo break down old red cells in the spleen
  4. DTo carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
4.Medium

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a potassium of 5.6 mEq/L. Which food should the nurse advise the patient to limit?

  1. AWhite rice
  2. BBananas
  3. CApples
  4. DCabbage
5.Medium

An older adult takes lisinopril and furosemide and recently started daily ibuprofen for knee pain. The creatinine has risen from 1.0 to 1.8 mg/dL (88 to 159 µmol/L). What is the most likely cause?

  1. AA laboratory error, since ibuprofen has no effect on the kidney
  2. BNormal aging of the kidneys over a period of a few weeks
  3. CThe NSAID reduces kidney blood flow on top of the other two drugs
  4. DMore activity has increased the patient's muscle mass quickly
6.Medium

A conscious patient with a blood glucose of 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) has taken 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate. When should the glucose be rechecked?

  1. AAfter about 2 hours
  2. BThe next morning
  3. CAt the next meal
  4. DAfter about 15 minutes
7.Hard

An 82-year-old woman without a catheter has a urine culture growing bacteria, but no fever, urinary symptoms or change in mental state. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AContamination, so the culture must be repeated every week
  2. BAsymptomatic bacteriuria, usually not treated with antibiotics
  3. CA urinary tract infection that needs urgent IV antibiotics
  4. DPyelonephritis, which needs admission and IV fluids today
8.Hard

A patient in hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state has a glucose of 1,050 mg/dL (58 mmol/L), very dry mucous membranes and a fast pulse. Which treatment is usually the first priority?

  1. AAn IV bolus of sodium bicarbonate
  2. BStrict fluid restriction
  3. COral glucose-lowering tablets
  4. DLarge-volume IV fluid replacement

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  2. 2. B · Furosemide
  3. 3. A · To form a plug at the site of vessel injury
  4. 4. B · Bananas
  5. 5. C · The NSAID reduces kidney blood flow on top of the other two drugs
  6. 6. D · After about 15 minutes
  7. 7. B · Asymptomatic bacteriuria, usually not treated with antibiotics
  8. 8. D · Large-volume IV fluid replacement

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