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

Tapping on the facial nerve in front of the ear makes the corner of the mouth twitch. What is this sign called, and what does it suggest?

  1. ATrousseau’s sign, suggesting high calcium
  2. BBabinski’s sign, suggesting low sodium
  3. CHomans’ sign, suggesting high potassium
  4. DChvostek’s sign, suggesting low calcium
2.Easy

What is a typical reference range for urine specific gravity in an adult?

  1. AAbout 0.900–0.990
  2. BAbout 1.005–1.030
  3. CAbout 1.100–1.300
  4. DAbout 1.040–1.060
3.Easy

A patient has a hemoglobin of 19.5 g/dL (195 g/L) and a hematocrit of 58%. Which term describes this?

  1. AIron-deficiency anemia
  2. BPancytopenia (all cells low)
  3. CThrombocytopenia (low platelets)
  4. DPolycythemia (erythrocytosis)
4.Medium

A patient with chest pain that started one hour ago has a normal first troponin. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. ATroponin is not useful in patients with chest pain
  2. BThe patient can be discharged home straight away
  3. CInfarction is ruled out, so no further troponin tests are needed
  4. DInfarction is not ruled out; troponin is repeated per protocol
5.Medium

A patient starts lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor). Which laboratory values should the nurse expect to be monitored?

  1. APotassium and creatinine
  2. BALT and bilirubin
  3. CTSH and free T4
  4. DCalcium and phosphate
6.Medium

A patient with iron-deficiency anemia started oral iron. Which result is usually the earliest sign that treatment is working?

  1. AA rise in the reticulocyte count
  2. BA fall in the white cell count
  3. CA rise in the platelet count
  4. DA fall in the mean cell volume (MCV)
7.Hard

During an IV magnesium sulfate infusion, which assessment best detects toxicity early?

  1. ABlood glucose and pupil size every hour
  2. BKnee reflexes, respiratory rate and urine output
  3. CBowel sounds and abdominal girth
  4. DSkin color and capillary refill every hour
8.Hard

A patient has fatigue, weight loss, darkening of the skin and low blood pressure. Results: sodium 130 mEq/L, potassium 5.6 mEq/L. Which test pattern would confirm primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)?

  1. AHigh cortisol with a low ACTH
  2. BHigh cortisol with a high ACTH
  3. CLow cortisol with a high ACTH
  4. DLow cortisol with a low ACTH

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Chvostek’s sign, suggesting low calcium
  2. 2. B · About 1.005–1.030
  3. 3. D · Polycythemia (erythrocytosis)
  4. 4. D · Infarction is not ruled out; troponin is repeated per protocol
  5. 5. A · Potassium and creatinine
  6. 6. A · A rise in the reticulocyte count
  7. 7. B · Knee reflexes, respiratory rate and urine output
  8. 8. C · Low cortisol with a high ACTH

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