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

In iron-deficiency anemia, the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is usually:

  1. AHigh
  2. BNormal
  3. CAbsent
  4. DLow
2.Easy

What does normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) look like?

  1. AClear and colorless
  2. BCloudy and yellow
  3. CPink and bloody
  4. DThick and green
3.Easy

Why is "free T4" often measured rather than total T4?

  1. AThe free form is the only form made by the gland
  2. BThe free form is the unbound, active hormone
  3. CThe free form is stored inside the pituitary
  4. DThe free form is the form excreted in urine
4.Medium

A patient with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) has a sodium of 128 mEq/L. Which prescribed measure would the nurse expect?

  1. AEncouraging extra water intake
  2. BLarge volumes of IV 5% glucose
  3. CA low-sodium diet
  4. DFluid restriction
5.Medium

A patient with recurrent gout starts allopurinol. Which laboratory result shows that the treatment is achieving its goal?

  1. AA rising serum calcium
  2. BA falling serum uric acid
  3. CA falling serum potassium
  4. DA rising white cell count
6.Medium

A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which laboratory results should the nurse check before the procedure?

  1. ASerum sodium and chloride
  2. BTSH and free T4
  3. CPlatelet count and PT/INR
  4. DHbA1c and lipid panel
7.Hard

A patient's total calcium is 7.6 mg/dL and the albumin is 2.0 g/dL. Using the common correction (add 0.8 mg/dL for each 1 g/dL that albumin is below 4.0), what is the corrected calcium?

  1. A11.6 mg/dL, above the normal range
  2. B7.6 mg/dL, below the normal range
  3. C9.2 mg/dL, within the normal range
  4. D6.0 mg/dL, well below the normal range
8.Hard

A patient started methimazole for hyperthyroidism 6 weeks ago and now has a fever and a severe sore throat. Which action is most important?

  1. ACheck the TSH and double the dose if it is still low
  2. BGive the next dose and suggest warm salt-water gargles for comfort
  3. CAdvise the patient to continue the drug and drink more fluid
  4. DHold the drug and arrange an urgent white cell and neutrophil count

Answer key

  1. 1. A · High
  2. 2. A · Clear and colorless
  3. 3. B · The free form is the unbound, active hormone
  4. 4. D · Fluid restriction
  5. 5. B · A falling serum uric acid
  6. 6. C · Platelet count and PT/INR
  7. 7. C · 9.2 mg/dL, within the normal range
  8. 8. D · Hold the drug and arrange an urgent white cell and neutrophil count

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