Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A blood lactate level above about which value is usually considered raised in an adult?

1. A0.2 mmol/L
2. B2 mmol/L
3. C20 mmol/L
4. D10 mmol/L

A raised alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in an adult is most closely linked to which cancer?

1. AProstate adenocarcinoma
2. BHepatocellular (liver) cancer
3. CDuctal breast cancer
4. DBladder urothelial cancer

When is a vancomycin trough level drawn?

1. AImmediately after the infusion has finished running
2. BTwo hours after the start of the infusion
3. CJust before the next dose, usually within 30 minutes of it
4. DAt any convenient time of day, regardless of when the dose is due

A patient with hyperkalemia is prescribed an oral potassium binder such as patiromer or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. How does this drug lower potassium?

1. AIt protects the heart muscle against high potassium levels
2. BIt stops the kidneys from absorbing water in the tubules
3. CIt moves potassium into cells in the next few minutes
4. DIt binds potassium in the gut so it leaves in the stool

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 15 minutes
2. BAt the next meal
3. CThe next morning
4. DAfter about 2 hours

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a magnesium of 3.8 mEq/L (1.9 mmol/L). Which product is the most likely cause?

1. AMagnesium-containing laxatives or antacids
2. BProton pump inhibitors taken long term
3. CExcess alcohol use over many years
4. DLoop diuretics such as furosemide

A patient with thalassemia major has received regular red cell transfusions for years. The ferritin is now very high. What does this most likely show, and what treatment is used?

1. AIron deficiency, treated with IV iron supplements
2. BLiver failure, treated with a liver transplant at once
3. CIron overload, treated with iron chelation therapy
4. DAcute infection, treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics

A patient on warfarin with an INR of 3.6 fell and hit their head an hour ago. They now report a worsening headache and drowsiness. What is the priority?

1. AGive acetaminophen (paracetamol) and recheck the INR tomorrow
2. BEncourage rest in a dark room to settle the pain
3. CReport urgently for imaging and possible reversal
4. DHold warfarin for one dose and observe at home