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

What is a typical adult reference range for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

  1. AAbout 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
  2. BAbout 0.01–0.04 mIU/L
  3. CAbout 40–80 mIU/L
  4. DAbout 10–20 mIU/L
2.Easy

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used mainly in relation to which organ?

  1. APancreas
  2. BProstate gland
  3. CPituitary gland
  4. DThyroid gland
3.Easy

Uric acid in the blood is a breakdown product of:

  1. AHemoglobin
  2. BPurines
  3. CFats
  4. DGlucose
4.Medium

When is a peak level for an IV aminoglycoside such as gentamicin usually drawn?

  1. AAt any time convenient for the patient
  2. BJust before the next dose is started
  3. CAbout 30 minutes after the infusion ends
  4. DExactly 24 hours after the first dose
5.Medium

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

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

A patient's eGFR has fallen to 24 mL/min/1.73 m². Which prescribed drug should the nurse question before giving it?

  1. AAcetaminophen (paracetamol)
  2. BMetformin
  3. CInsulin glargine
  4. DLevothyroxine
7.Hard

A patient with diabetes and chronic kidney disease had a CT scan with IV contrast. Two days later, the creatinine has risen from 1.4 to 2.0 mg/dL (124 to 177 µmol/L). Which action is most appropriate?

  1. AIgnore it, because contrast never affects kidney function
  2. BGive extra metformin, because the glucose rises after contrast
  3. CRestrict all fluids to protect the kidneys from more contrast
  4. DReport it, monitor urine output and hold metformin until reviewed
8.Hard

A patient has fatigue, weight loss, darkening of the skin and low blood pressure. Results: sodium 130 mEq/L, potassium 5.6 mEq/L. Which test pattern would confirm primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)?

  1. ALow cortisol with a low ACTH
  2. BLow cortisol with a high ACTH
  3. CHigh cortisol with a high ACTH
  4. DHigh cortisol with a low ACTH

Answer key

  1. 1. A · About 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
  2. 2. B · Prostate gland
  3. 3. B · Purines
  4. 4. C · About 30 minutes after the infusion ends
  5. 5. A · Inform the provider and arrange a new, correctly collected sample
  6. 6. B · Metformin
  7. 7. D · Report it, monitor urine output and hold metformin until reviewed
  8. 8. B · Low cortisol with a high ACTH

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