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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1.Easy

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

  1. APlatelet function assay (PFA-100 test)
  2. BInternational normalized ratio (INR)
  3. CActivated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  4. DErythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
2.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for serum potassium?

  1. A6.0–8.0 mEq/L
  2. B1.3–2.1 mEq/L
  3. C3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  4. D135–145 mEq/L
3.Easy

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

  1. ABacteria in the urine that convert nitrate to nitrite
  2. BKetones produced from fat breakdown in fasting
  3. CRed blood cells leaking from the glomeruli
  4. DGlucose spilling into the urine from high blood levels
4.Medium

Which technique is recommended for a capillary blood glucose test on an adult's finger?

  1. APrick the center of the fingertip
  2. BSqueeze the finger very hard
  3. CPrick the side of the fingertip
  4. DUse the same finger every time
5.Medium

On the first day after major surgery, a patient's white cell count is 12.5 × 10³/µL, with no fever or wound signs. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA sign of leukemia that needs bone marrow testing
  2. BA laboratory error, since surgery lowers white cells
  3. CDefinite wound infection that needs antibiotics now
  4. DA common stress response to surgery that is monitored
6.Medium

A patient with ventricular arrhythmia shows a twisting pattern (torsades de pointes) on the monitor. Which electrolyte is commonly given IV as treatment?

  1. APotassium phosphate
  2. BMagnesium sulfate
  3. CCalcium carbonate
  4. DSodium bicarbonate
7.Hard

A patient with heart failure takes lisinopril, spironolactone and a potassium supplement. Today the potassium is 6.0 mEq/L. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. APotassium supplements have no effect on the serum level
  2. BSpironolactone causes potassium loss
  3. CSeveral medicines that raise potassium are being taken together
  4. DLisinopril lowers potassium
8.Hard

A patient with a heart murmur and fever has three sets of blood cultures, taken hours apart, all growing the same Streptococcus species. What does this suggest?

  1. APersistent bacteremia, as in infective endocarditis
  2. BContamination of all three samples during collection
  3. CA normal finding in patients with heart murmurs
  4. DA urinary tract infection that has spread to the skin

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  2. 2. C · 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
  3. 3. A · Bacteria in the urine that convert nitrate to nitrite
  4. 4. C · Prick the side of the fingertip
  5. 5. D · A common stress response to surgery that is monitored
  6. 6. B · Magnesium sulfate
  7. 7. C · Several medicines that raise potassium are being taken together
  8. 8. A · Persistent bacteremia, as in infective endocarditis

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