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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for serum phosphate?

  1. AAbout 2.5–4.5 mg/dL (0.8–1.5 mmol/L)
  2. BAbout 5.5–7.5 mg/dL (1.8–2.4 mmol/L)
  3. CAbout 0.5–1.5 mg/dL (0.2–0.5 mmol/L)
  4. DAbout 8.5–10.5 mg/dL (2.1–2.6 mmol/L)
2.Easy

What is the usual diagnostic cut-off for diabetes on a fasting plasma glucose test, when confirmed on a second test?

  1. A100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or higher
  2. B110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L) or higher
  3. C126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher
  4. D200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher
3.Easy

Which laboratory test is used to monitor warfarin therapy?

  1. APlatelet count
  2. BD-dimer
  3. CPT with INR
  4. DaPTT
4.Medium

A woman with hyperemesis gravidarum has vomited for 3 days. Which urine finding would the nurse expect?

  1. AKetones
  2. BRed cell casts
  3. CBilirubin
  4. DNitrites
5.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. BLevothyroxine
  3. CInsulin glargine
  4. DMetformin
6.Medium

The heparin infusion rate was changed according to protocol. When is the aPTT usually rechecked?

  1. AOnly after the infusion is stopped
  2. BAbout 6 hours after the change
  3. CAbout 30 minutes after the change
  4. DAbout 3 days after the change
7.Hard

A patient with acute pancreatitis has a rising BUN, a falling calcium and a glucose of 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) over the first 48 hours. What do these results suggest?

  1. AAn unrelated new kidney stone
  2. BIncreasingly severe pancreatitis
  3. CA lab error from lipemic samples
  4. DA resolving, mild pancreatitis
8.Hard

A patient stopped long-term prednisone suddenly a week ago. Now: blood pressure 78/46 mm Hg, sodium 128 mEq/L, potassium 4.6 mEq/L, glucose 58 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L). Which condition is most likely?

  1. ASyndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
  2. BPrimary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome)
  3. CCushing syndrome from steroid excess
  4. DAcute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis)

Answer key

  1. 1. A · About 2.5–4.5 mg/dL (0.8–1.5 mmol/L)
  2. 2. C · 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher
  3. 3. C · PT with INR
  4. 4. A · Ketones
  5. 5. D · Metformin
  6. 6. B · About 6 hours after the change
  7. 7. B · Increasingly severe pancreatitis
  8. 8. D · Acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis)

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.