Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

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

1. APolycythemia (erythrocytosis)
2. BThrombocytopenia (low platelets)
3. CPancytopenia (all cells low)
4. DIron-deficiency anemia

A raised procalcitonin level most strongly suggests:

1. AA viral common cold
2. BIron-deficiency anemia
3. CAn allergic reaction
4. DA bacterial infection

What is the usual target INR for a patient taking warfarin for a deep vein thrombosis?

1. A4.0–5.0
2. B2.0–3.0
3. C1.0–1.5
4. D0.8–1.2

A patient with hyperkalemia received IV regular insulin with dextrose. Which result must the nurse monitor closely over the next hours?

1. AHemoglobin, because insulin causes red cell loss
2. BBlood glucose, because hypoglycemia can occur
3. CSerum calcium, because it falls sharply
4. DSerum sodium, because it rises quickly

A patient on a heparin infusion has an aPTT of 110 seconds; the protocol target is 1.5–2.5 times the control of 30 seconds. What should the nurse do?

1. AGive vitamin K as prescribed and continue the infusion
2. BFollow the heparin protocol, check for bleeding and inform the provider
3. CIncrease the infusion rate, because the result is above the target range
4. DContinue unchanged and repeat the aPTT the next morning

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. BThe next morning
3. CAt the next meal
4. DAfter about 2 hours

A patient admitted with heavy alcohol use and malnutrition has a glucose of 52 mg/dL (2.9 mmol/L) and low magnesium. Which prescribed treatment should be given before the IV glucose?

1. AIV potassium
2. BOral iron
3. CIV insulin
4. DIV thiamine

A patient with C. difficile diarrhea has a white cell count of 24 × 10³/µL and a creatinine that has risen to 2.1 mg/dL (186 µmol/L). What does this indicate?

1. ASuccessful response to treatment
2. BMild infection needing no treatment
3. CSevere C. difficile infection
4. DUnrelated chronic kidney disease