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

Which antibody test is most specific for rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. AAnti-D antibody
  2. BAnti-HBs antibody
  3. CAnti-CCP antibodies
  4. DAntinuclear antibody
2.Easy

Which sample is commonly used to screen a patient for MRSA carriage on admission?

  1. AA sample of stool sent for culture
  2. BA clean-catch midstream urine sample
  3. CA blood culture from one arm
  4. DA swab from the front of the nose
3.Easy

What does the term "thrombocytosis" mean?

  1. AA high white cell count
  2. BA high platelet count
  3. CA low platelet count
  4. DA low red cell count
4.Medium

A patient with a low clinical probability of deep vein thrombosis has a normal (negative) D-dimer. What is the best interpretation?

  1. AA pulmonary embolism is now certain to be present
  2. BA DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  3. CA DVT is confirmed and anticoagulation is needed
  4. DThe test is useless and should always be ignored
5.Medium

A patient receiving chemotherapy has an ANC of 300/µL and a new temperature of 38.3 °C (100.9 °F). What should the nurse do first?

  1. AGive acetaminophen (paracetamol) and recheck the temperature in 4 hours
  2. BReport it at once so cultures and antibiotics start quickly
  3. CRemove extra blankets and offer a tepid sponge bath
  4. DEncourage oral fluids and record the fever in the chart
6.Medium

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. AAt the next meal
  2. BThe next morning
  3. CAfter about 2 hours
  4. DAfter about 15 minutes
7.Hard

A patient with SIADH is on fluid restriction. Which task can the RN delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), such as a nursing or healthcare assistant?

  1. AAssessing the patient for new confusion
  2. BDeciding when to recheck the sodium level
  3. CMeasuring and recording intake and output
  4. DTeaching the reasons for fluid restriction
8.Hard

A stable patient's hemoglobin has been 13–14 g/dL for days. Today's result is 8.2 g/dL, but the patient feels well, the vital signs are normal and there is no bleeding. What should the nurse suspect first?

  1. AA normal day-to-day variation in Hb
  2. BA sample taken from the wrong patient
  3. CSudden massive internal bleeding
  4. DAcute bone marrow failure overnight

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Anti-CCP antibodies
  2. 2. D · A swab from the front of the nose
  3. 3. B · A high platelet count
  4. 4. B · A DVT is unlikely and can usually be ruled out
  5. 5. B · Report it at once so cultures and antibiotics start quickly
  6. 6. D · After about 15 minutes
  7. 7. C · Measuring and recording intake and output
  8. 8. B · A sample taken from the wrong patient

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