Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Why is prealbumin (transthyretin) sometimes used to follow a patient's nutritional status instead of albumin?

1. AIt is not affected by inflammation or liver disease
2. BIt has a long half-life, so it changes over months
3. CIt is measured in urine, so no blood test is needed
4. DIt has a short half-life, so it changes within days

A urine dipstick is positive for nitrites. What does this most likely show?

1. AKetones produced from fat breakdown in fasting
2. BRed blood cells leaking from the glomeruli
3. CBacteria in the urine that convert nitrate to nitrite
4. DGlucose spilling into the urine from high blood levels

What does a positive blood or urine ketone test mainly indicate?

1. AThe patient has a urinary tract infection
2. BThe kidneys are leaking protein into the urine
3. CThe liver is producing too much bilirubin
4. DThe body is breaking down fat for fuel, as in insulin deficiency or starvation

A patient's levothyroxine dose was changed today. When is the TSH usually rechecked?

1. AAfter about 24 hours
2. BAfter about 6–8 weeks
3. CAfter about 3 days
4. DAfter about 1 year

Which instruction is correct for a patient taking an oral potassium chloride supplement?

1. AUse a salt substitute as well, so less of the tablet is needed each day
2. BTake it on an empty stomach with only a small sip of water to speed absorption
3. CCrush the extended-release tablets and mix them with a little water if needed
4. DTake it with food and a full glass of water, and do not crush extended-release tablets

A patient who is breathless during a transfusion has hypotension, fever and bilateral lung infiltrates, with no signs of fluid overload. Which complication is most likely?

1. AA simple allergic reaction with hives
2. BA mild febrile nonhemolytic reaction
3. CTransfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
4. DTransfusion-associated circulatory overload

A patient with a sodium of 132 mEq/L and blood glucose of 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L) is admitted. Why is the sodium value interpreted with care?

1. AGlucose has no effect on the measured sodium
2. BHigh glucose raises the measured sodium falsely, so it is really lower
3. CThe sodium result must be a laboratory error
4. DHigh glucose draws water into the blood, diluting the sodium

The nurse teaches a patient with thrombocytopenia (platelets 25 × 10³/µL) about home safety. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

1. A"I'll use an electric razor to shave"
2. B"I'll blow my nose gently, not forcefully"
3. C"I'll take aspirin if I get a headache"
4. D"I'll use a soft-bristled toothbrush"